Gateron Melodic vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, is best known for reinvigorating the clicky switch category with advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This switch provides a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi, a linear switch, focuses on innovation and visual aesthetics. These switches feature a light-diffusing column for enhanced RGB visuals and a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness provided by the UPE stem. With a medium weight and slightly shortened total travel, the WS Morandi strikes a balance between form and function, offering a creamy, low-pitched, silky, subdued, and thocky typing experience. However, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, in contrast to the WS Morandi's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Melodic's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing also contributes to the switch's deeper sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer pleasing and unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
The choice of housing materials in the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi plays a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic provides a clear and resonant sound profile, while the POM top housing of the WS Morandi offers a more muted sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, in contrast to the POM bottom housing of the WS Morandi, which contributes to a deeper sound. These differences in housing materials showcase how each switch is uniquely designed to cater to different typing preferences.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, it is evident that each material brings its own set of qualities to the typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings allows users to feel the impact of each material differently during typing. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key, while the nylon bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the POM top housing of the WS Morandi contributes to a different sound profile when compared to the POM bottom housing. Overall, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to varying sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is clear that the Melodic has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Morandi's 50 grams. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Melodic would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Morandi with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky 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. The Melodic switch offers a bit more depth when pressed compared to the WS Morandi switch. Gamers might appreciate the quicker response time of the WS Morandi switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Gateron Melodic switch. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy auditory profile, creating a clean and sharp typing experience with a higher-pitched sound that immerses users in each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a more subdued and thocky sound, with a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that provides a mellow and dampened sound signature when pressed. The Melodic switch delivers a classic clicky sound, while the Morandi switch offers a unique and more muted typing sound, catering to different preferences in sound aesthetics based on individual preferences and setups.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the WS Morandi linear switch are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that enhances typing comfort and performance. The Melodic switch is further characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced tactile feedback and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch adds a creamy and silky feel to its buttery typing experience, ensuring effortless and gliding keystrokes with minimal resistance. Both switches prioritize smoothness and uniformity in typing, with slight differences in tactile feedback and overall typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences in keyboard switches. The Melodic switch provides a classic clicky sound with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, while the Morandi switch offers a more subdued and thocky sound with a creamy and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing sensation, users can choose between the Gateron Melodic and the WS Morandi switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while typing, the Gateron Melodic would be an excellent choice with its resonant and crunchy sound profile and invigorating feel. On the other hand, if you value visual aesthetics, smooth linear switches, and a more subdued sound profile, then the WS Morandi switches would be a perfect match for you with their low-pitched, thocky, and creamy feel. Both switches offer a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium weight typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Melodic or the WS Morandi, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.