KTT Lightning vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer different experiences are the KTT Lightning and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi. The Lightning switches are best known for their approachable "speed" capabilities, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. Typing on these switches offers a slick feel accompanied by a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches excel in both innovation and visual aesthetics. With their ultra-smooth linear design and a light-diffusing column that enhances RGB visuals, these switches create a mesmerizing effect. The unique dry and airy smoothness of the UPE stem sets them apart from factory-lubed switches, offering a distinct yet equally enjoyable typing experience. The WS Morandi switches strike a perfect balance between form and function, with a medium weight, slightly shortened total travel, and a long pole design. Additionally, they produce a slightly more muted sound profile compared to the Lightning switches. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Wuque Studio WS Morandi Linear

$3.41 per 10

$3.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Lightning and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in terms of their housing materials, specifically their top and bottom housings. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Morandi utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The POM material gives the WS Morandi a unique and pleasing sound profile.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Lightning uses a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the WS Morandi also uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to its deep and muted sound profile.

It is important to note that the housing materials significantly impact the sound profile of a switch. While the Lightning features both polycarbonate and nylon, the WS Morandi utilizes POM for both top and bottom housings. Therefore, the WS Morandi is likely to deliver a more consistent sound experience throughout each keystroke. Both switches aim to create unique and pleasing sounds, but their resulting sound profiles differ due to the variations in housing materials.

Overall, whether it's the KTT Lightning or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound produced by the switches. Polycarbonate and nylon bring distinct qualities to the Lightning, resulting in a sharper sound on top and a deeper sound on the bottom. In contrast, the WS Morandi's consistent use of POM throughout its housing creates a unique and muted sound experience. Whether you prefer a crisper and resonant sound or a deeper and more muted tone, both switches offer distinct options based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is evident that weight plays a significant role in their differences. The Lightning switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes effortlessly. Moreover, its bottom out force is measured at 50 grams, ensuring a comfortable typing experience without excessive pressure. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's actuation force remains undisclosed, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 60 grams, providing users with a more substantial feel while typing.

In terms of weight preference, individuals who enjoy extended typing or gaming sessions might prefer the lighter option, such as the KTT Lightning switch. Its lower actuation force allows for increased typing endurance, making it suitable for work-related tasks or lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, those who seek a more robust and tactile typing experience would likely opt for switches with heavier forces, like the WS Morandi. Although the exact actuation force of the WS Morandi switch is unknown, its higher bottom out force suggests a stronger push feel, satisfying individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience.

While the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the KTT Lightning and WS Morandi, it is worth noting that both switches offer varying options to cater to individual preferences. Whether one desires a lighter or heavier typing experience, careful consideration of actuation and bottom out forces is crucial. By selecting the appropriate force, users can ensure optimal comfort and productivity during their typing endeavors.

Travel distance

The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have different travel distances. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, and 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. However, with the rise in popularity of gaming, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, then the Lightning switch would be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper key press, the WS Morandi switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. It's important to note that while shorter travel distances can provide quicker response times, they may feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning switch is known for its clacky sound profile. This means that the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and percussive feel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch has a more muted sound profile. Described as subdued, these switches produce a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Depending on other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps, the sound of the switch may vary. However, if you prefer a high-pitched, clacky sound, the Lightning switch would be the better choice. If you prefer a low-pitched, more subdued sound, the WS Morandi switch would be a great option.

In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switch is known for its subtle resistance and polished finish. Considered subtle, these switches have a gentle resistance that is not too feather-light, providing a light typing feel. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This means that the switch offers a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing sensation. With a buttery switch, you can expect a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, while a creamy or silky switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Depending on your preference, you can choose between the subtle and polished feel of the Lightning switch or the buttery, creamy, and silky feel of the WS Morandi switch.

In conclusion, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning switch has a clacky sound profile and a subtle, polished feel, while the WS Morandi switch has a more muted sound profile and a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a high-pitched clacky sound with a subtle and polished feel or a low-pitched subdued sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Both switches provide unique experiences that can enhance your typing, but it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard.

Conclusion

In summary, if you value speed and the ability to make split-second decisions, the KTT Lightning linear switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches have a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, allowing for quick actuation and rapid typing. The Lightning switches offer a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate visual aesthetics and a more subdued sound, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch is your ideal option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Morandi switches strike a balance between form and function. They feature a unique dry and airy smoothness, enhancing the typing experience. The WS Morandi switches have a more muted sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Lightning emphasizing speed and the Morandi focusing on visual aesthetics and a smoother typing experience. Consider your priorities and preferences to determine which switch suits you best.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Morandi Linear

$3.90 per 10

Learn more