HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both stand out as compelling options, each appealing to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and its bright, resonant sound, delivering a bouncy and tactile feel that enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit of feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Morandi excels in blending innovation with aesthetics, featuring a light column that enhances RGB visuals, coupled with a UPE stem that offers an airy smoothness and a muted, subdued sound profile due to its all-POM housing. If you're drawn to a lively and responsive typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) may be your ideal choice. Conversely, if a quieter, visually striking setup appeals to you, the WS Morandi shines in its creamy and silky performance. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches provide an interesting comparison, as both utilize different plastics that distinctly influence their sound profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top and bottom housing, which gives it a classic switch feel. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, which help to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Every keystroke with the Lotus (Heavy) is accompanied by a sound that is duller and rounder, pleasing those who prefer a more muted typing experience. This characteristic is consistent across both its top and bottom housings, which work together to produce a harmonious sound that is well-suited for quieter environments.
In contrast, the WS Morandi switches utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. This material is known for creating a unique and pleasant sound profile, which similarly leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, but with its own nuances. While the POM housing also offers a muted sound, it provides a different tactile experience compared to nylon. The POM's characteristics lead to a more pronounced snap and clarity during typing, making the experience feel distinct despite sharing some tonal qualities with the nylon setup. Each keystroke on the Morandi remains relatively muted, yet it carries an inherent crispness that can be appealing to users who enjoy a bit of responsiveness in their switches.
Ultimately, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and WS Morandi utilize different materials—nylon versus POM—they can achieve similar results in terms of sound profile if analyzed through the right lens. Both switches share a shared intent to create a sound experience that is deeper and more muted compared to other harder plastics. The key differentiator lies in the tactile feedback and auditory nuance each material brings, with nylon providing a fuller and duller sound and POM offering a slightly crisper yet still muted experience. This indicates that, although the surface textures and materials differ, both switches can cater to users seeking an enjoyable sound profile, albeit with particular tonal differences, largely influenced by the material characteristics of nylon and POM.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, both displays medium characteristics but differ slightly in their specifications. The Lotus (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the WS Morandi features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions might find the WS Morandi more appealing, as it reduces finger fatigue. Conversely, the heavier Lotus switch may provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push. Despite their differences, both switches offer similar bottom out forces, ensuring that users experience a comparable bottoming out sensation during use, although the Lotus's slightly higher forces offer a more pronounced tactile response.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that the feel and response of the keys are comparable, allowing for a similar typing experience between the two options. Since both switches share the same specifications in this aspect, users can expect uniform performance in terms of key engagement and actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 Lotus (Heavy) switch is known for its bright and resonant auditory profile, delivering a lively and pronounced sound that can be quite satisfying for tactile feedback enthusiasts. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch presents a low-pitched, thocky sound with a more subdued tone, which leans towards a softer, almost muffled auditory experience. The combination of the WS Morandi's all-POM housings contributes to this muted sound quality, creating a uniquely bass-heavy signature that contrasts sharply with the Lotus's more vibrant acoustics. It's important to note that the acoustics of both switches can vary based on the specific keyboard, board construction, and keycap materials used.
When evaluating the feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g combined with a bouncy sensation that makes typing feel energetic and responsive. Users can expect a delightful feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi provides a buttery, creamy, and silky feel due to its innovative design and materials, which promote an exceptionally smooth typing motion. This design facilitates a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, characterized by minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the tactile feedback characteristics of the two switches differ greatly, both provide a distinct sensation that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches present contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus excels with its lively, bright sound and energetic feedback, making it ideal for users seeking auditory stimulation and lively keystrokes. Meanwhile, the WS Morandi's muted sound and silky smoothness cater to those who prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience. While both switches are designed to provide enjoyment and comfort, they notably target different auditory and tactile preferences, ensuring that newcomers can find a switch that better aligns with their individual typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, consider your personal preferences in terms of tactile experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke that provides a delightful bounce and a bright, resonant auditory feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely the better fit for you. Its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams ensures a satisfying feedback when typing, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced response. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an exceptionally smooth and airy feel, the WS Morandi could be your top choice. Its 60-gram actuation offers a buttery and creamy experience coupled with a more subdued, thocky sound that creates a unique ambiance. Additionally, the Morandi's design enhances RGB visibility, making it a great option if aesthetics are significant to you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a bouncy, resonant typing experience or a silky, visually appealing one with muted sound.
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