TKC Kiwi vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Kiwi switches are tactile switches, designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches are known for their satisfyingly snappy sound profile, delivering a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches are linear switches that focus on both innovation and visual aesthetics. They feature an ultra-smooth feel and a light diffusing column that enhances RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. The UPE stem of the WS Morandi provides a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, different from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. It also has a slightly more muted sound profile. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound signatures. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) for both its top and bottom housing. This material provides a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on switches with UHWMPE housings. On the other hand, the WS Morandi features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housing. POM housings create a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to UHWMPE. Therefore, the Kiwi offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience, while the WS Morandi delivers a deeper and more subtle sound.
However, if we focus solely on the top and bottom housing materials of the switches, there are significant differences. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing produces a vibrant and bright sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the WS Morandi's POM top housing creates a more subdued sound, providing a gentler transition when releasing a key. These differences in top housing materials influence the overall sound profile, giving users distinct auditory feedback depending on the switch they choose.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Kiwi and the WS Morandi utilize the same UHWMPE and POM materials, respectively. As a result, the qualities brought by these materials to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel will be relatively similar between the two. Regardless of the switch chosen, the bright UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi and the POM bottom housing of the WS Morandi contribute to the overall typing experience by providing a solid and tactile bottom-out feel, enhancing the satisfaction of each keystroke.
In summary, while the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer unique housing materials, their top housing materials bring contrasting sound profiles to the typing experience. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing is bright and resonant, whereas the WS Morandi's POM top housing is deeper and more muted. However, the similarity between their bottom housing materials ensures a consistent and satisfying bottom-out feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a vibrant and resonant typing experience or a deeper and more subtle auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Kiwi requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the WS Morandi remains unknown. However, despite this disparity, both switches offer a medium actuation force overall.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kiwi switch has a heavier measurement of 67 grams compared to the WS Morandi's 60 grams. This implies that pressing all the way down on the Kiwi switch requires more force compared to the Morandi switch. For those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the Kiwi switch may be preferable.
Weight also plays a role in the overall typing experience, with some individuals favoring lighter switches for extended typing sessions. While the lighter of the two switches is not explicitly mentioned, if the WS Morandi switch has a lighter actuation or bottom out force, it could provide a lighter feel and potentially allow for longer typing durations. However, without the specific actuation force of the WS Morandi, it cannot be definitively determined which switch is lighter overall.
In summary, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch exhibits a medium-heavy actuation force and a heavier bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, which boasts a medium actuation force and an undisclosed actuation force measurement. Depending on personal preference, individuals may opt for the lightness of the Morandi switch or the stronger push feel provided by the Kiwi switch for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch provide an interesting comparison. The Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls within the more traditional range. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.5 mm difference may seem negligible, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. Gamers, for example, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you prioritize quick reaction times, the WS Morandi would be a suitable choice. However, for individuals who appreciate a deeper key press and a more substantial feel, the 4 mm travel distance of the Kiwi would be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Both switches offer their own advantages, and selecting the one that aligns with your desired typing experience will ensure optimal satisfaction.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is best known for its tactile bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. The switches come lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. In terms of sound, the Kiwi is described as having a low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate sound that suits various usage scenarios.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch focuses on innovation and visual aesthetics. These ultra-smooth linear switches feature a light-diffusing column that enhances RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. The UPE stem in these switches provides a dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, giving a unique feel distinct from factory-lubed switches. When typing on the WS Morandi, we perceive a slightly more muted sound profile characterized as low-pitched, subdued, and thocky, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound.
Ultimately, both switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The TKC Kiwi provides a snappy and immersive typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel with mild tactility, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi prioritizes visual aesthetics while delivering an ultra-smooth typing experience. It presents a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound, giving a different auditory sensation. The WS Morandi switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky feel with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness.
In summary, the TKC Kiwi and the WS Morandi switches provide unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiwi switch offers a snappy sound profile, the Morandi switch delivers a slightly more muted sound. The Kiwi switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished feel, while the Morandi switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Both switches have their own appeal, and choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences and priorities. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, whether opting for the TKC Kiwi or the WS Morandi, you can expect to obtain similarly pleasing results in the aspects of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, along with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi is the switch for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a good balance between actuation force and typing comfort. Additionally, the lightly factory lubed Kiwi switch ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
On the other hand, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and want an ultra-smooth linear switch with a mesmerizing light diffusion effect, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi is the switch to consider. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, this switch offers a slightly lighter feel compared to the Kiwi. The UPE stem adds a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, which distinguishes it from switches with factory lubrication. The WS Morandi strikes the perfect balance between form and function, featuring a slightly more muted sound profile while typing.
Ultimately, your choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch depends on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and visual aesthetics. Consider the Kiwi if you desire a tactile switch with a snappy sound profile and medium to medium-strong tactile bump. Opt for the WS Morandi if you prefer an ultra-smooth linear switch with a mesmerizing light diffusion effect and a slightly more muted sound profile. Whichever switch you choose, both the Kiwi and the WS Morandi offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
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