Huano Elf vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf switch is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and provides a distinctively deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a satisfying tactile experience without a heavy actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Morandi seamlessly combines innovation with aesthetics, featuring a light column that enhances RGB visuals and an UPE stem that delivers a smooth typing experience reminiscent of buttery or creamy textures. While the Morandi's all-POM housings contribute to a muted sound profile, providing a softer auditory experience, the Elf's deeper sound might appeal more to users seeking that engaging acoustic feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Wuque Studio WS Morandi Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.30

$3.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and Wuque Studio WS Morandi exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute to their unique performance characteristics. The Elf's top housing is crafted from POK (polyketone), which is celebrated for its smooth feel and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a slightly slicker surface than LY, enhancing the user experience. It is also markedly more resilient than traditional materials like POM and nylon, boasting a strength that is 14 times higher than POM and superior shock resistance. This combination of features leads to a smooth and clacky typing experience, which many enthusiasts favor for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Morandi utilizes POM for its top housing, renowned for delivering a unique, pleasantly muted sound profile that is deeper than some alternatives. Although both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, the tactile and auditory characteristics differ significantly, with POK prioritizing a blend of smoothness and durability while POM focuses on sound quality.

When we shift our focus to the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and WS Morandi share a distinct similarity in their use of materials, albeit with implications for the overall sound profile. The Elf employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for absorbing sound and generating a fuller, deeper auditory experience. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to dampen sound effectively, producing a weightier, rounder sound when typing. Conversely, the WS Morandi also utilizes POM for its bottom housing. POM is recognized for creating a similarly muted yet distinct sound profile, but it tends to contribute a sharper tonal quality compared to nylon. Both materials, despite their differences in composition, share the ability to produce a deeper sound quality; however, the specific auditory nuances can dramatically alter the user's perception of the switch.

The interplay of top and bottom housing materials is critical in determining the overall performance of each switch, thanks to their unique attributes. With the Huano Elf’s POK top and nylon bottom, the combination yields a smooth typing experience paired with a rich sound that resonates deeply on key press. In comparison, the WS Morandi’s POM top and bottom create a consistent sound quality that remains muted yet deeply resonant. These design choices emphasize how crucial the material composition is to the end-user experience. Although both switches aim for a satisfying auditory response, the subtleties in sound and feel become apparent, highlighting the significance and effectiveness of selecting varied materials for different spatial qualities in typing performance.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Elf requires a lighter 42 grams to register a keystroke, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, especially for those who prefer a less strenuous touch. In contrast, the WS Morandi demands a heftier 50 grams for actuation, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. While the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, the WS Morandi has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a definitive resistance when keys are fully pressed down. As a result, the Morandi is overall the heavier option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Elf offers a lighter touch, catering to different user preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Elf switch offers a more pronounced pressing experience due to its longer travel, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial key press. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, provides a slightly quicker response, which could be favored by gamers looking for faster actuation. Both switches are relatively short compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, catering to modern preferences for responsiveness. Overall, if you seek a deeper, more tactile experience, the Huano Elf with its 3.6 mm travel distance is the better choice, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Morandi may be more suitable for those who favor quick, responsive keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch is characterized by a deep sound signature that often delivers a satisfying auditory experience, described as thocky, producing a rich and pronounced “thud” with each keystroke. This deep, bass-heavy tone sets it apart, offering a comforting acoustic feedback that many typists appreciate. The sound profile of the WS Morandi switch, on the other hand, is more muted by design due to its all-POM housing, which contributes to a lower-pitched sound that lacks the thockiness of the Elf. While it may not provide the same prominent audio feedback, the smoothness of its muted sound can create a different, yet pleasing typing atmosphere.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch exhibits a medium-light tactile sensation that can offer a nice balance for users who prefer a lighter touch without sacrificing feedback. In contrast, the WS Morandi switches stand out with their buttery, creamy, and silky characteristics. These traits combine to provide an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience, where the typing feels effortless and fluid. The creamy action could be attributed to potential factory lubrication or specific materials, resulting in an easy, gliding sensation as fingers transition across the keys. This difference means that while the Elf might cater more to those who enjoy a slight resistance in their strokes, the WS Morandi focuses on delivering a consistently smooth experience.

In summary, the Huano Elf and WS Morandi switches each have unique audio and tactile characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Elf excels with a deep, thocky sound and a medium-light feel, making it ideal for users seeking a satisfying, acoustic typing experience. Conversely, the WS Morandi's muted sound profile and buttery, silky feel cater to those who prioritize smoothness and a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on what aspects of sound and feel resonate more with the typist's personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Huano Elf linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light feel and are drawn to deeper, “thocky” acoustics that provide a rich, bass-heavy sound profile, the Elf switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its unique design emphasizes enhanced acoustics which can deliver a satisfying typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a visually appealing experience with RGB components, the WS Morandi could be the better option. Its unique UPE stem offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, creating a silky as well as muted sound profile that is perfect for quieter environments or if you simply prefer a more understated audio experience. As a result, your decision should reflect what you value more in your typing experience: the deep acoustic feedback of the Elf or the smooth, visually enticing experience of the WS Morandi.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Morandi Linear

$4.30

$3.90 per 10

Learn more