KTT Hyacinth vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences to users. The Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at avoiding the hard bottoming-out experience commonly found in switches with longer stems. This decision showcases the commitment to striking an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring to provide a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches combine innovation with visual aesthetics, featuring an ultra-smooth linear switch design with a light-diffusing column that enhances RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. The UPE stem provides a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, differentiating it from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With a medium weight, slightly shortened total travel, and a long pole design, the WS Morandi strikes the perfect balance between form and function. While these general pointers provide an overview of what each switch offers, 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
22mm spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi may have different housing materials, but they both offer unique sound profiles. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth creates a more vibrant and clear sound, while the POM top housing of the WS Morandi produces a deeper and more subdued sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon material, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the WS Morandi also generates a pleasing and unique sound, with a deeper and relatively muted profile. Therefore, despite the difference in materials, both switches share similarities in terms of producing deeper and fuller sound profiles. The bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, adding to the overall typing experience.
It is important to note that while the top and bottom housings have their individual impacts on sound, they work together to create the overall auditory experience of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, whereas the top housing contributes more to the sound when releasing a key. This means that the specific combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Hyacinth, as well as the POM top and bottom housing in the WS Morandi, offers a balanced and distinctive sound profile throughout the typing process. Ultimately, the choice between the Hyacinth and the WS Morandi will depend on personal preferences for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Hyacinth is 45 grams, providing a medium-light feel, while the actuation force of the WS Morandi is labeled as unavailable, meaning the specific force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams, whereas the WS Morandi requires 60 grams, both falling within the medium range.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches, like the Hyacinth, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This is especially useful for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel, which provides a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces, such as the WS Morandi, would be a suitable choice.
In comparison, while the actuation force of the Hyacinth is known, the same information for the WS Morandi is unavailable. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the WS Morandi being slightly heavier at 60 grams. Therefore, if one desires a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force and weight, the Hyacinth can be chosen with confidence.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The distance traveled by the switch is the same for both, resulting in a similar feeling when typing or gaming. Whether it's the Hyacinth or the WS Morandi, you can expect to have a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile and is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are planning to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches are described as low-pitched, subdued, and thocky. This means that they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, produce a dampened sound when pressed, and offer a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth is known for its silky and subtle typing experience. Silky switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Meanwhile, subtle switches have a gentle resistance that is not feather-light while still maintaining a light typing feel. The sound signature of subtle switches will not be resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches are described as buttery, creamy, and silky. Butter switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, often due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials, resulting in a silky sensation similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
Based on the available information, the KTT Hyacinth and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience, while the WS Morandi switches have a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound profile, along with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose the switch that best suits your desired auditory and tactile experience. Keep in mind that individual factors such as board and keycap choices can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is a great choice if you prioritize tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, it offers a consistent force curve and avoids the hard bottoming-out experience of switches with longer stems. The WS Morandi linear switch, on the other hand, is perfect for those who appreciate innovation and visual aesthetics. Its ultra-smooth linear action, diffused light column, and mesmerizing RGB visuals create a visually appealing typing experience. Additionally, the shorter total travel and long pole design strike a balance between form and function. In terms of sound, the Hyacinth provides a neutral and versatile sound profile suitable for various environments, while the WS Morandi offers a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth is silky and subtle, while the WS Morandi is buttery, creamy, and silky. Consider your preferences for design, typing experience, and sound profile when choosing between these two switches.