Gateron Mini i vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mini i switch, a tactile switch, to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch, a linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mini i is ideal for office settings with its gentle tactility, lightweight feel, and fairly muted sound profile, perfect for quiet professionalism. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch is a visual masterpiece with its ultra-smooth linear design, enhanced RGB visuals, and distinct UPE stem. While the Mini i offers a bouncy and easy-to-press experience, the WS Morandi provides a buttery and silky typing sensation. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the WS Morandi has a POM top housing that creates a more muted and deep sound. Despite the differences in sound profile, both switches aim to offer a pleasing typing experience through their use of materials.
In terms of bottom housing, the Mini i and the WS Morandi once again utilize different materials. The Mini i features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, while the WS Morandi uses a POM bottom housing that creates a relatively more muted sound. The choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of each switch, further distinguishing the typing experience between the two.
While the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi each offer unique housing materials, they both prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience. The nylon and POM materials used in the top and bottom housings of these switches contribute to their distinctive sound profiles, with the Mini i offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the more muted sound of the WS Morandi. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a pleasant typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is clear that the Mini i is the lighter option of the two. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Morandi has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Mini i requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the WS Morandi. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mini i may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the WS Morandi may be more suitable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In this case, picking the appropriate switch depends on individual preference and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, with the WS Morandi being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mini i for faster response times, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the WS Morandi. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches, providing a quick and responsive typing experience.
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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is not too loud, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a low-pitched and subdued sound, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches offer a more muted sound profile compared to other switches on the market, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a mild and subtle resistance that enhances the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, thanks to the UPE stem and unique design of the switch. Both switches are known for their smooth keystrokes and comfortable typing experience, catering to users who prefer a softer and more responsive feel while typing.
Overall, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Mini i provides a balanced and comfortable typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the WS Morandi delivers a visually appealing and smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and subdued sound. If you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Mini i is a great choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a buttery and creamy feel, the WS Morandi is the perfect option. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall comfort and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a lightweight switch with gentle tactility, ideal for quiet, professional office use, the Gateron Mini i may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize innovation, visual aesthetics, and a smooth linear typing experience with a slightly more muted sound profile, the WS Morandi switch could be the one to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use case. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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