KTT Darling vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling is praised for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness with a resonant, high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches are known for their ultra-smooth feel and innovative design, featuring a light-diffusing column for enhanced RGB visuals. While the Darling is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'High-pitched', the WS Morandi is described as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. The decision between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, whether you prefer the tactile and auditory feedback of the Darling or the visual aesthetics and smoothness of the WS Morandi. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Morandi's POM top housing offers a deeper, more muted sound, creating a unique auditory experience. While the two top housing materials result in different sound profiles, they both offer a pleasing and distinct typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, both the Darling's nylon bottom housing and the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, while POM offers a more muted sound quality. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings enhance the typing experience by generating a more substantial sound when keys are pressed, adding to the overall tactile feedback of the switches.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the KTT Darling and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, it is clear that each material brings unique characteristics to the switches. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a combination of qualities in the sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when keys are released. While the two switches may differ in their housing materials, they both offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is evident that the Darling is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the WS Morandi is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Darling provides a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS Morandi offers a medium typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. While both switches provide a smooth linear feel, the slight difference in weight between the two may impact the typing experience based on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness from both switches, with the choice between the two depending on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity ensures that you will get consistent and similar results in terms of key feel and performance when using either switch. Therefore, whether you choose the Darling or the WS Morandi, you can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Darling and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches, we find a stark contrast. The Darling switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch is characterized by a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound profile, providing a more mellow and subtle typing sound. The choice between these switches would greatly depend on personal preference, with the Darling switch appealing to those who enjoy a more vibrant and energetic sound, while the WS Morandi switch may be preferred by individuals seeking a quieter and more calming typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling switch is described as bouncy, offering a lively and responsive typing sensation with a springy feedback that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience that feels seamless and uniform. While the Darling switch focuses on providing a more dynamic and energetic typing feel, the WS Morandi switch prioritizes a luxurious and smooth typing experience that is characterized by its frictionless key presses.
Taking all available information into account, it is clear that the KTT Darling and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Darling switch offers a more vibrant and bouncy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the WS Morandi switch provides a smoother and more subdued typing sensation with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a typing experience. If you prefer a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Darling would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers innovation, visual aesthetics, and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a more subdued, low-pitched sound profile, then the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience to make the decision that best suits your needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities and it's important to choose the one that resonates with you the most.
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