Gateron Glory Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves considering different characteristics that can vastly affect their typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red switch stands out for its light actuation force, smooth keystroke, and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch offers a rich blend of innovation and aesthetics, featuring a light column that enhances RGB visuals alongside a unique UPE stem for an airy smoothness. Additionally, the Morandi's all-POM housing results in a muted sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Glory Red is ideal for users seeking a lighter touch and tactile feedback, while the WS Morandi is designed for those who value both performance and visual appeal. 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
N/A
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
POK
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches exemplify distinctive approaches to sound profile and tactile feedback through their choice of housing materials. The Glory Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder acoustic quality. This classic material has been favored in the keyboard community for its capacity to enhance the auditory experience, making each keystroke sound richer and more satisfying.
In contrast, the WS Morandi employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a different yet complementary sound signature. The POM material produces a unique and pleasing sound that is similarly deep but tends to be more muted compared to nylon. This muted quality allows for a clean acoustic profile, giving the user a different tactile experience when typing. The intricacies of the POM housing allow it to provide a fresh audio sensibility that is distinct, yet it can also generate a more subtle typing sound, appealing to those who prefer less cavernous acoustics.
The differences between nylon and POM in these switches result in a varied typing experience that caters to individual preferences. While both housing materials aim for a deeper sound profile, the Glory Red’s nylon tends to create a fuller resonance, while the WS Morandi’s POM offers a different kind of muted clarity. However, if one were to analyze the performance of these switches closely, they would find that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the variations, both switches can offer a comparable typing experience; users can achieve similar satisfaction by understanding how each material's characteristics affect both the auditory and tactile feedback of the switch during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, which can enhance typing comfort during extended usage. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a firmer push that some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Glory Red is currently unknown, while the WS Morandi has a definitive bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it not only provides more resistance during use but also feels more solid when fully pressed down. Consequently, users looking for a lighter switch would gravitate toward the Glory Red, while those who appreciate a heftier feel should consider the WS Morandi. Overall, if you’re after a more cushioned experience versus a credible resistance, your choice will depend on these distinct force specifications.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that gamers, who typically prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, might find the WS Morandi to be a more suitable choice. However, for those who appreciate a deeper key press, the Gateron Glory Red would be more favorable with its additional millimeter of travel. Ultimately, while both switches offer a contemporary design geared toward responsiveness, the Glory Red provides a slightly heftier feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more intentional keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is not explicitly defined, making it difficult to draw specific comparisons. However, the WS Morandi switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. Additionally, it exhibits a thocky quality, producing a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft knock or thud. This combination suggests that while the Glory Red's sound is likely to be decent, the WS Morandi is designed with sound quality in mind, providing a more satisfying auditory experience during use.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red is praised for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, although specific descriptors for its tactile characteristics are absent. In contrast, the WS Morandi switches shine with their exceptionally buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Users of the Morandi can expect a seamless and effortless typing experience thanks to the materials used in its construction, which contribute to the ultra-smooth sensation while typing. This sets the Morandi apart as a luxury option for those who prioritize the tactile aspect of their keyboard experience.
In summary, while both switches offer a smooth typing experience, they diverge significantly in sound and feel qualities. The WS Morandi provides an enhanced auditory experience with its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, along with an exceptionally smooth tactile feedback, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing both sound and feel. The Gateron Glory Red, while delivering a solid performance, does not boast the same auditory richness or tactile luxury as the Morandi. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more sophisticated typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feel, the WS Morandi would be the better choice, while the Glory Red still stands as a capable option for a general linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches largely hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a smooth travel distance that allows for a delightful and swift typing experience, you might lean towards the Gateron Glory Red. Its unknown bottom-out force suggests it’s a more accessible option for users looking for ease and speed in their keystrokes, making it great for fast-paced typists and gamers who prioritize quick and effortless actuation. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the WS Morandi may be your ideal switch. This switch not only offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile but also features a unique, buttery smooth feeling that enhances the tactile sensation of typing. The innovative design of the WS Morandi, particularly its all-POM housing and airy feel, appeals to those who appreciate both aesthetics and keystroke comfort, especially in setups where RGB lighting plays a significant role. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize speed and ease or a rich acoustics and enhanced tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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