Kailh Box Royal vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular switches worth comparing and contrasting are the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense, binary tactility, making it the go-to choice for those seeking an almost aggressive feedback while typing. Additionally, its relatively higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a unique blend of innovation and visual aesthetics. Its ultra-smooth linear design, coupled with a light-diffusing column for enhanced RGB visuals, creates a mesmerizing effect. The UPE stem lends a dry, airy smoothness to typing, distinct from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With a medium weight and slightly shortened total travel, the WS Morandi strikes a perfect balance between form and function. Furthermore, the switch produces a slightly more muted sound, adding to its allure. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches differ in composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. The material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the WS Morandi utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a uniquely pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials contribute to a distinctive sound, the Box Royal's nylon housing offers a fuller and deeper tone, while the WS Morandi's POM housing creates a muted and pleasing sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the WS Morandi switches differ, leading to varying sound profiles. The Box Royal employs a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Like the top housing, nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the WS Morandi incorporates a POM bottom housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This material tends to emphasize the deeper tones and produces a more muted sound overall. While both housings contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing adds to the depth and fullness, while the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing enhances the muted character.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel, it becomes evident that these qualities are split between the two for a given switch. Pressing down on the switch exposes the qualities of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the bottom housing material will have a significant impact on the sound and sensation when pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing material holds more influence over the sound produced when releasing a key. The characteristics of the material will determine the overall sound profile and the unique tactile experience of each switch. Therefore, despite any similarities or differences between the housing materials, the top and bottom components play distinct roles in the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer different experiences. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. In terms of weight, the Box Royal is heavier than the WS Morandi. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Morandi, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Box Royal with its stronger push feel. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective force characteristics.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it may be noticeable to some users. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Morandi with its slightly shorter travel distance might be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may favor the Kailh Box Royal with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive tactile feel. When it comes to sound, the Box Royal has a relatively higher-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness with its UPE stem. The Morandi switches have a slightly more muted sound profile, described as low-pitched and subdued. They produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switches are known for their sharp tactility, providing a high feedback intensity with a prominent and distinct tactile bump. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Furthermore, the Morandi switches are also referred to as silky, indicating an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Box Royal provides a sharp and crisp feedback, the WS Morandi focuses on delivering a buttery and uniform typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile feel, perfect for those seeking an aggressive tactile experience and a crisp sound. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches offer a more muted and low-pitched sound, accompanied by a buttery and silky smoothness, ideal for those who prefer a smoother and more bass-heavy typing sensation. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values an aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch may be the perfect choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a sharp and binary tactility that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a more visually appealing and smooth typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch might be the better option. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches not only feature a mesmerizing light diffusion effect but also provide a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness due to the UPE stem. The sound profile of the WS Morandi is slightly more muted and has a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky characteristic. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a highly tactile experience and a sharper sound profile or a visually appealing, smooth typing experience with a more muted sound profile.
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