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Gateron Ink Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi

An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer a delightful typing experience are the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch that stands out for its lower actuation force, which makes it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. This switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and the crisp and clacky sound it produces while typing. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches from Wuque Studio combine innovation and visual aesthetics. These ultra-smooth linear switches feature a unique light-diffusing column, enhancing the RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. The UPE stem in the WS Morandi provides a distinct dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, setting it apart from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With a medium weight and a slightly shortened total travel, these switches strike a perfect balance between form and function. While the Gateron Ink Red offers a more pronounced sound profile, the WS Morandi switches have a slightly more muted sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

60g

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

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

UPE

Top housing material

Proprietary INK blend

Top housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Proprietary INK blend

Bottom housing material

POM

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated

Spring

18mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the WS Morandi utilizes POM housings for both the top and bottom. In terms of sound profile, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the WS Morandi produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles adds a unique characteristic to each switch, with the Ink Red offering a sharper sound and the WS Morandi providing a deeper tone.

However, despite their differences, both switches share similarities in their housing materials. Both the Ink Red's bottom housing and the WS Morandi's bottom POM housing contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Additionally, the top housing of each switch affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the specific qualities may differ between the two switches, the overall impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches remains consistent.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi showcase contrasting housing materials. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the WS Morandi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted tone. Despite these differences, both switches share similarities in the impact of their housing materials on the bottom-out and release sounds. Whether seeking a sharper or deeper sound profile, both switches offer unique characteristics attributed to their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which categorizes them as medium in terms of the strength required to fully press the key. However, the actuation force differs between the two. The Gateron Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch is needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force for the WS Morandi is unavailable, making it hard to directly compare. In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gateron Ink Red as it allows for easier and more prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial and resistant typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force. Without the specific actuation force for the WS Morandi, it is difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Ink Red in this aspect. Overall, while both switches share a similar bottom out force, the actuation force sets them apart, with the Gateron Ink Red requiring less force for triggering keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of travel distance, with the Ink Red offering a more traditional distance and the WS Morandi being slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, making the WS Morandi a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press may find the Gateron Ink Red's longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether responsiveness or depth is valued more.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.

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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch is renowned for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It boasts a satisfyingly smooth feel and produces a crisp and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch combines innovation with visual aesthetics. These switches feature an ultra-smooth feel and a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness thanks to the UPE stem. The WS Morandi switches also have a slightly more muted sound profile. Although the sound profiles differ, both switches deliver exceptional smoothness while typing, with the Ink Red being described as silky, mild, and polished, and the WS Morandi as buttery, creamy, and silky. While the Ink Red provides a more neutral and chirpy sound, the WS Morandi offers a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound. Therefore, depending on personal preference and the desired sound and feel, both switches offer a delightful typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing style and appreciate a satisfyingly smooth switch with a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value visual aesthetics and innovation, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch with its mesmerizing RGB visuals and unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness provided by the UPE stem may be the ideal option. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them medium in terms of force required. When it comes to sound, the Ink Red offers a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, while the WS Morandi has a more low-pitched and subdued sound with a thocky option. In terms of feel, the Ink Red provides a silky, mild, and polished typing experience, while the WS Morandi offers a buttery and creamy sensation, along with a silky smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities, whether it be the typing feel, sound profile, or visual aesthetics.

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