HC Studio Crabapple vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, both linear switches with their unique characteristics. The Crabapple switches, made entirely from POM, offer a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture on each keystroke, resulting in a mild and understated sound. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches are known for their innovative design that enhances RGB visuals with a mesmerizing light diffusing effect. With a UPE stem providing a unique dry and airy smoothness, these switches offer a buttery and creamy feel with a slightly muted sound profile. While the Crabapple switches focus on a frictionless and textured typing experience, the WS Morandi switches aim for a balance between visual aesthetics and functionality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are both made of POM, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other materials. Both switches offer a consistent sound experience that enthusiasts appreciate for its distinct characteristics. The POM top housing of both switches contributes significantly to the overall sound profile, especially when releasing a key, providing a satisfying auditory feedback.
While the top housings of the Crabapple and WS Morandi switches share similarities in their sound profile and impact on key release, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The split between top and bottom housing materials affects the overall experience of pressing a key. In the case of the Crabapple, the POM bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the tactile response of the switch. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing also contributes to the overall sound profile but may have its unique characteristics that influence the typing experience differently.
Ultimately, the choice between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi may come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience desired. Both switches utilize POM housing materials to create a sound profile that is deep and muted, offering a unique tactile feedback that enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you prioritize the impact of the bottom housing on the typing feel or the sound when releasing a key, both switches offer a consistent and pleasing typing experience that showcases the qualities of POM as a housing material.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch. The Crabapple requires 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the WS Morandi needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter touch may enjoy the Crabapple for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the WS Morandi with its heavier forces. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide different typing experiences for users based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The Crabapple provides a slightly longer keystroke, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's slightly shorter travel distance may benefit those looking for a more immediate and precise feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keystroke depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued and understated sound profile, offering a more gentle typing experience with a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Morandi linear switch presents a slightly more muted sound profile with low-pitched tones that create a bass-heavy and mellow sound when typing. Both switches provide a more subtle sound signature compared to others, making them suitable for users who prefer quieter switches.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch stands out for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt during each downstroke. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch boasts a buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and silky typing sensation that enhances the overall smoothness of the keystroke experience. With both switches aiming for a smooth typing journey, users can expect a comfortable and effortless feel when typing on either switch.
Overall, while the Crabapple and WS Morandi linear switches offer slightly different sound and feel qualities, they both strive to provide users with a premium and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a more subdued and frictionless feel or a buttery and creamy sensation, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either the Crabapple or WS Morandi linear switches, ensuring a satisfying and smooth journey with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, material, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, mild, textured typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Crabapple switches crafted from POM would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force, innovative design with visual aesthetics, and a buttery, creamy, silky typing feel with a low-pitched, subdued sound profile, the WS Morandi switches with a UPE stem might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the experience you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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