Huano Grape Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi stand out as compelling options for those seeking a linear experience. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for users who value a smooth and effortless typing experience, especially during lengthy sessions. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch emphasizes a blend of innovation and aesthetics, featuring a unique airy smoothness from its UPE stem and a muted sound profile, thanks to its all-POM housing. This contributes to a more subdued auditory experience, appealing to those who appreciate a quieter work environment while still enjoying enhanced RGB visuals. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Grape Orange is great for typists seeking a feather-light touch, while the WS Morandi may attract users who appreciate a combination of smoothness and visual flair. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi exhibits distinct differences in their housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Its stiffness allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the WS Morandi opts for a POM top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and more muted sound profile. This difference in material affects how each switch responds acoustically, with polycarbonate providing a brighter tone while POM delivers a warmer timbre.
Additionally, the bottom housings of these switches present another layer of contrast. The Grape Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound owing to nylon's soft plastic composition which absorbs more sound. This results in a more rounded auditory experience. In comparison, the WS Morandi features a POM bottom housing, which similarly leans towards a deeper sound profile but maintains a unique and muted quality. While the Grape Orange relies on nylon's properties to enhance sound absorption and fullness, the WS Morandi's POM bottom aims for a pleasingly distinct auditory signature, albeit with a different sonic texture.
In summary, while both switches integrate different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound profiles they produce showcase notable contrasts that stem from these choices. The Grape Orange's polycarbonate and nylon combination emphasizes sharper and deeper tones, while the WS Morandi's use of POM in both housings results in a more muted and unique sound experience. However, should one desire a particular sound quality, employing similar materials for both the top and bottom housings may achieve comparable results, as the combining characteristics allow for a more cohesive acoustic output regardless of the selected materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for comfortable long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may find appealing for a firmer typing experience. Therefore, while both switches serve distinctive preferences, the Grape Orange is the lighter option overall, whereas the WS Morandi offers more resistance. Users seeking a switch that feels lighter would be better suited to the Grape Orange, whereas those who enjoy a heavier typing feel should opt for the WS Morandi.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the longer of the two switches, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys, offering a deeper and more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's shorter travel distance may attract gamers or fast typists who prioritize rapid key activation and quicker response times. While both switches are relatively short travel-wise, if you lean towards a more tactile and deeper press, the Grape Orange may be the preferable option, whereas if you value speed and a more abrupt feel, you might opt for the WS Morandi.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Huano Grape Orange linear switch is not described in the provided details, leaving its sound profile open to interpretation based on other factors such as board and keycap choices. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch boasts a unique low-pitched tone characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. It is also noted for its subdued nature, producing a dampened sound that is less intrusive while typing. Furthermore, the thocky quality of the WS Morandi provides a deep and rich auditory experience, producing a satisfying "thud" upon keystrokes. Therefore, if you are seeking a quieter, more muted sound while still enjoying a satisfying tonal depth, the WS Morandi is appealing.
Regarding feel, the Grape Orange switch lacks specific descriptors to characterize its tactile experience, leaving its qualities somewhat of a mystery. On the other hand, the WS Morandi is described with several positive adjectives, including buttery, creamy, and silky. These terms suggest a truly luxurious typing experience, where keystrokes glide effortlessly with minimal resistance. The innovative materials used in the construction of the Morandi are likely to enhance this smoothness, making each press feel seamless and well-crafted. In contrast to the uncertainty surrounding the Huan Grape Orange's feel, the Morandi promises a level of tactile satisfaction that is both nuanced and enjoyable.
In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch's sound and feel remain unspecified, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch distinguishes itself with a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Morandi excels with its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. If you're drawn to a less defined tactile experience, the Grape Orange might still satisfy in scenarios where the focus is primarily on light actuation force, making it comfortable for prolonged typing. However, for those seeking a more nuanced auditory and tactile experience, the WS Morandi stands out as a noteworthy choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and preferences in typing experience. If you find yourself engaged in long typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort is paramount, the Grape Orange switches are an excellent pick due to their exceptionally light actuation force of just 40 grams. Their effortless engagement allows for rapid keystrokes without fatigue, making them ideal for those who prioritize speed and endurance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier feel with added aesthetic appeal, then the WS Morandi switches might be your best bet. With their medium 60-gram bottom-out force, these switches deliver a unique tactile experience characterized by a buttery, creamy sensation that enhances overall typing pleasure. Additionally, their low-pitched, thocky sound profile offers a satisfying auditory feedback that many users crave. Ultimately, if you're after a fast, lightweight experience, go for the Grape Orange, but if you prefer a richer auditory experience and a more substantial key feel, the WS Morandi should be your switch of choice.
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