HMX Jelly vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often focus on factors such as sound profile, actuation force, and overall feel. The HMX Jelly and Wuque Studio WS Morandi are two exceptional linear switches that represent different facets of this popular category. The Jelly switch stands out with its distinct low-pitched, thocky sound signature and a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience without the distraction of loud clicks. Conversely, the WS Morandi switch brings a modern twist with its innovative design, incorporating light columns for enhanced RGB visuals that can elevate your keyboard’s aesthetics. The UPE stem offers a unique, airy smoothness, while its all-POM housing contributes to a muted sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. Both switches have compelling characteristics, but they cater to slightly different preferences—be it the Jelly's deep auditory satisfaction or the Morandi's visually appealing features. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches, we find that each utilizes a distinct material for its construction, which influences the overall sound profile and typing experience. The HMX Jelly features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic material celebrated for its ability to produce deeper and fuller sound profiles. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon enhances the absorption of sound waves, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This softness allows the Jelly to deliver a more substantial bottom-out sound, providing a richer tactile feedback during typing.
In contrast, the WS Morandi switches employ POM for both the top and bottom housings. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is known for its durability and unique acoustic properties, allowing it to deliver a satisfying and slightly muted sound, albeit with its distinct characteristics. Although the POM material has its advantages, such as a sleek feel and a unique typing sound, it does not quite replicate the deeply resonant quality of nylon. However, both materials create a sound profile that leans towards the deeper side, suggesting that while they behave differently, users of either switch can enjoy a generally similar auditory experience.
Despite the differences in material between the two models, both the Jelly and the WS Morandi switches manage to provide satisfying sound profiles that cater to enthusiasts seeking depth and muted acoustics. The two switches will offer similar tactile feedback and overall typing sensation, as the characteristics of each housing will still influence the acoustic signature when typed upon. Essentially, while the HMX Jelly's nylon delivers a fuller sound due to sound absorption capabilities, and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi maintains a unique sound profile through POM's properties, users may achieve comparable results in terms of the depth and quality of sound produced while typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Jelly switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams, coupled with a slightly higher bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch requires a medium actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Jelly switch is better suited for users seeking a lighter feel, which can reduce fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the WS Morandi's heavier forces provide a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Thus, while both switches have distinct actuation and bottom out forces, the Jelly’s lighter 42-gram actuation and 48-gram bottom-out make it the more user-friendly option for extended use, whereas the heavier forces of the WS Morandi cater to those who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Jelly switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Morandi switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Jelly provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a certain level of depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, reflecting the trend toward shallower options in modern switches. Overall, if responsiveness is your primary concern, the WS Morandi would be the ideal choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Jelly is better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 HMX Jelly switch is renowned for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature that provides a satisfying auditory feedback when typing. The deep and rich tone produced by this switch contributes to a thocky experience, which is often preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustical response. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch features a more subdued sound profile. Characterized by its low-pitched and muted qualities, the Morandi produces a dampened sound that is less intrusive yet still engaging. The combination of an all-POM housing helps to suppress the noise while maintaining a balanced tone. While both switches may offer appealing sound profiles, the Jelly leans towards a more robust thocky experience, whereas the Morandi prioritizes a subtle and understated acoustic signature.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch excels in providing an incredibly smooth typing experience due to its excellent factory lube and lightweight actuation force of 42g. This translates to a seamless keystroke that many enthusiasts find ideal for both gaming and typing, making each keystroke feel fluid and responsive. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch offers a unique combination of buttery, creamy, and silky sensations. The UPE stem contributes to an airy smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience, allowing users to glide across the keycaps with ease. While the Jelly provides a smooth typing feel, the Morandi takes it further by introducing varied sensations that add character to each keystroke, allowing for an effortless and enjoyable typing experience.
In summary, both the HMX Jelly and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel. The Jelly excels with its deep, thocky sound and remarkably smooth keystrokes, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. The Morandi, meanwhile, focuses on a muted sound profile and a delightful combination of buttery, creamy, and silky feels, appealing to those who prefer a subtler, more sophisticated sensation while typing. Depending on individual preferences, enthusiasts may gravitate toward one switch over the other; however, both promise an engaging and satisfying keyboard experience overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you prioritize a lightweight switch with a distinct "thocky" sound signature, the Jelly is your best bet. Its low-pitched, deep sound enhances the tactile satisfaction, making it particularly enjoyable for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. Additionally, with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and an actuation force of 42 grams, the Jelly is exceptionally easy to press, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a medium-weight switch that combines aesthetics with performance, the WS Morandi offers a uniquely airy and buttery feel thanks to its innovative UPE stem. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a bit more resistance, which some users may find enhances typing precision. The subdued sound profile of the Morandi makes it an excellent choice for quieter environments, while the light column design enhances RGB lighting effects on your keyboard, adding a visual appeal. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lighter, more pronounced sound experience with the Jelly or the innovative, aesthetically pleasing performance of the WS Morandi.