Aflion Iceberg vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard switches, offering different benefits to suit your preferences. Aflion, although a relatively new switch manufacturer, has gained recognition for their stellar Iceberg switches, which exemplify the quality of their products. These linear switches are smooth and provide a satisfying feel, thanks to their two-stage spring design. The Iceberg switches are known for their clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches from Wuque Studio combine innovation with visual aesthetics. These linear switches are exceptionally smooth and feature a light-diffusing column, enhancing RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. They have a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness due to the UPE stem, differentiating them from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With a medium weight, slightly shortened total travel, and long pole design, the WS Morandi switches strike a perfect balance between form and function. Moreover, they have a more muted sound profile characterized as buttery, creamy, low-pitched, silky, subdued, and thocky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the WS Morandi features a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound. This unique sound profile adds a pleasing quality to the typing experience, although it differs significantly from the Iceberg's polycarbonate housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Iceberg employs a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the WS Morandi utilizes a POM bottom housing that also contributes to the deeper side of the sound spectrum, generating a relatively more muted sound. Despite the difference in materials used, both switches provide a unique and enjoyable auditory experience, with the Nylon housing of the Iceberg adding depth and roundness, while the POM housing of the WS Morandi offers a muted yet pleasing sound.
When comparing the effects of the top and bottom housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the two components. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Nylon housing in the Iceberg or the POM housing in the WS Morandi, will have a more pronounced impact on the sound and feel during key presses. This means that the Iceberg's Nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, while the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing will create a relatively more muted bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing, whether it is polycarbonate or POM, will have a larger influence on the sound produced when releasing a key.
In summary, the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Morandi's POM top housing produces a deep and muted sound. Similarly, the Iceberg's nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience, while the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing contributes to a relatively more muted sound. Nonetheless, both switches offer unique and enjoyable auditory experiences, with the impact of each housing material varying depending on the bottom-out and release of keys.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the first notable difference is in their actuation forces. The Aflion Iceberg requires a light actuation force of 37 grams, while the actuation force for the WS Morandi is unavailable. This means that it is difficult to determine if the actuation forces are the same or different. However, when looking at the bottom out forces, we can observe that the Aflion Iceberg has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is relatively light. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards options with heavier forces. In terms of weight, the Aflion Iceberg could be considered lighter due to its lower bottom out force, while the WS Morandi would be comparatively heavier.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force for the WS Morandi is unknown, but the Aflion Iceberg has a light actuation force of 37 grams. The bottom out force for the Aflion Iceberg is 45 grams, whereas the WS Morandi has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Aflion Iceberg, while those desiring a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel might find the WS Morandi to be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we can see that the Iceberg has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the more traditional option and 3.5mm being slightly shallower, it is important to consider personal preferences and use cases. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the WS Morandi a potential favorite for this group. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer the heartier depth provided by the Iceberg's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Iceberg has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iceberg for $3.07.
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we find that the Iceberg has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed, the Iceberg switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Morandi switch has a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the Morandi switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a dampened and subtle sound signature. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle. This means that it provides a super responsive typing experience with longer or dual-staged springs, making it feel more alive. Additionally, it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The typing feel of the Iceberg switch is gentle and not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Morandi switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Morandi switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Taking into account all the available information, we can conclude that both the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches offer their own unique subjective qualities. The Iceberg switch provides a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel with its two-stage spring. It has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and its feel is snappy, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, the Morandi switch combines innovation with visual aesthetics, featuring a light diffusing effect and a unique dry and airy smoothness. It has a slightly more muted sound profile, with a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky tone. The Morandi switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Although there are differences in sound and feel between the two switches, both provide excellent options depending on personal preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a lighter and more responsive typing experience with a crisp and bright sound, then the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its light bottom out force of 45 grams provides a feather-light feel, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Iceberg's snappy and subtle characteristics create a satisfying typing experience, perfect for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you value visual aesthetics and prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more subdued and mellow sound, then the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the WS Morandi strikes a balance between form and function. The switch's innovative light-diffusing column enhances RGB visuals, while the UPE stem provides a unique dry and airy smoothness. The WS Morandi offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth and seamless keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between the Iceberg and WS Morandi will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and visual aesthetics.