Outemu Crystal vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi

Overview

The world of mechanical keyboard switches offers a plethora of options tailored to different preferences and typing styles. Two switches that stand out are the Outemu Crystal and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, both being linear switches. While the Crystal showcases a unique, elastic feel combined with a medium-light weight, resulting in a distinctive typing experience and a neutral sound profile, the WS Morandi takes innovation to new heights with its visually appealing design. These ultra-smooth linear switches incorporate a diffuse light column that enhances RGB visuals, creating a mesmerizing effect. Additionally, the UPE stem provides a dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, differentiating itself from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With a slightly shortened total travel and a long pole design, the WS Morandi strikes a perfect balance between form and function. The typing experience on the Morandi also offers a slightly more muted sound profile. Overall, while these general pointers give an introductory understanding of the Crystal and Morandi switches, let's delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine which switch best suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

Wuque Studio WS Morandi Linear

$3.40 per 10

$3.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Crystal's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In addition to the auditory experience, the polycarbonate top housing's translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Morandi's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and more muted sound. This unique sound profile adds a pleasing quality to typing. While both switches have different sound profiles, they can still offer similar results in terms of keyboard feel and experience.

In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal allows for an attractive display of RGB lighting effects. This is particularly appealing to users who prioritize a visually striking keyboard. Conversely, the POM top housing of the Morandi may not offer the same level of translucency for RGB lighting, but it provides a sleek and minimalistic appearance that appeals to those who prefer a more understated look.

When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the housing materials of the top and bottom also differ in their influence. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the pressure and sound experienced when fully pressing a key. As such, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the sharper and crisper sound during bottom-out. On the other hand, the top housing, in this case, the Morandi's POM top housing, plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key, resulting in a distinctive sound profile during key release.

While the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offer distinct sound profiles, their similarities lie in their attention to different aspects of the typing experience. The Crystal's louder and sharper sound from its polycarbonate housings appeals to users who prioritize precision and responsiveness. Conversely, the Morandi's POM housings provide a unique and deep sound that resonates with typists seeking a more subdued and melodic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials depends on personal preference for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium.

In terms of weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Crystal as it allows for longer typing periods without too much fatigue. This makes it suitable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. In contrast, there are individuals who desire a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, options with heavier forces like the WS Morandi might be more suitable.

Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces between the Outemu Crystal and WS Morandi switches differ slightly. While the Crystal switch has a definitive actuation and bottom out force, the actuation force of the WS Morandi switch is currently unknown. However, both switches fall within the medium weight range, with the WS Morandi switch being slightly heavier at the bottom out force of 60 grams. Therefore, users looking for a slightly lighter switch may find the Crystal more appealing, while those seeking a slightly heavier feel may prefer the WS Morandi.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the typing experience, and understanding the differences between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch can help in making an informed decision. The Crystal has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which falls under the more traditional range. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm.

In terms of response time, a shorter travel distance can be advantageous, especially for gamers seeking faster input recognition. The WS Morandi, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, would be a suitable choice in this scenario. The reduced travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, enhancing gameplay and reaction times.

However, the shorter travel distance may not be to everyone's preference. Some individuals may find it too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prioritize a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Crystal's 4.0 mm travel distance might be a better fit. The additional 0.5 mm provides an increased sense of depth and feedback while typing.

Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Crystal and the WS Morandi will depend on personal preferences and requirements. For a heightened level of responsiveness and fast-paced applications like gaming, the WS Morandi's shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice. Conversely, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Crystal's longer travel distance can provide the desired level of satisfaction.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that typing on the Crystals will not produce any distinctive acoustic characteristics such as chirpiness or high-pitched tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a slightly more muted sound profile. This means that when typing on the Morandis, you can expect a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to most switches. Additionally, the Morandis may have a thocky characteristic, meaning a deep and satisfying sound when the key is pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, these differences in sound characteristics provide a contrast between the two switches.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a fairly elastic typing experience combined with a medium-light weight. This suggests that the Crystal switch provides a unique and smooth typing sensation, likely due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, no specific descriptors such as "polished" or "buttery" are mentioned. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch is described as having a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness. This suggests that the Morandis provide a seamless and effortless typing experience, possibly with a creamy and silky sensation. These descriptions imply that the Morandis offer a smoother and more refined typing feel compared to the Crystals. Again, it's important to note that the feel of a switch can vary depending on factors such as factory lubrication and the materials used. Overall, the available information suggests that the WS Morandi switches may provide a more premium and luxurious typing experience compared to the Crystals.

Taking all the available information into account, it becomes clear that the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer different subjective qualities. In terms of sound, the Crystals have a neutral sound profile while the Morandis provide a slightly more muted and possibly thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Crystals offer a fairly elastic typing experience with no specific descriptors mentioned, while the Morandis provide a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, possibly with a creamy and silky sensation. Overall, it seems that the Morandis may provide a more refined and luxurious typing experience compared to the Crystals. However, it's important to remember that these subjective qualities can vary depending on additional factors such as keyboard boards and keycaps used. If someone is looking for a neutral sound profile and a fairly elastic typing experience, the Outemu Crystal switches would be a good choice. If someone wants a more muted sound with a unique smoothness and possibly a creamy sensation, they may prefer the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering the Outemu Crystal linear switch, you'll be getting a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight. These switches provide a fairly elastic feel and a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a visually aesthetic and innovative experience. With an ultra-smooth feel and a medium weight, these switches strike the perfect balance between form and function. They provide a slightly more muted sound profile.

If you prefer a switch with a chirpy or high-pitched sound, the Crystal switch would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a more low-pitched, subdued, or thocky sound, the WS Morandi switch would be more suitable for you.

In terms of feel, the Crystal switch is described as polished, offering a sleek and refined typing experience. The WS Morandi switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, with seamless and effortless keystrokes.

Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a unique typing experience with a specific sound profile, the Crystal switch might be your go-to. However, if you prefer a visually appealing switch with a smooth and balanced feel, the WS Morandi switch would be a great option for you. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired aesthetic when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Morandi Linear

$3.90 per 10

Learn more