Cherry MX Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The Cherry MX Orange, celebrated for its revival of the original MX Orange switches, delivers a smooth linear experience ideal for gamers and typists seeking reliability and responsiveness. Its reissued enhancements ensure it meets a high demand, making it a reliable choice for those who enjoy a straightforward, no-frills experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches take a more innovative approach, blending aesthetics with performance. With their light column design for enhanced RGB visuals and a UPE stem that provides an airy smoothness, they promise a unique typing experience complemented by a muted sound profile due to all-POM housings. The tactile experience of the Morandi is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, appealing to users who appreciate a more luxurious feel. Both switches cater to different tastes—whether you lean towards the classic reliability of Cherry MX or the modern flair of Wuque Studio Morandi, there's a switch that may align with your 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, it's clear that both switches utilize distinct materials that influence their sound profiles. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon housing, which is known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Morandi utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housing. POM is renowned for creating a uniquely pleasing sound that is also deeper and more muted but has a different resilience compared to nylon. This difference in materials suggests that while both switches produce deep sound profiles, the tonal characteristics and nuances may vary, with the MX Orange leaning towards a softer sound due to its nylon composition.
The impact of the housing materials extends to the tactile experience of both switches. In the Cherry MX Orange, the nylon top and bottom housings combine to create a cohesive, rounded sound and feel when typing. The nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities result in a smooth and satisfying keystroke that many users appreciate. Meanwhile, the WS Morandi’s POM housings bring their own unique traits to the typing experience. Although they may not absorb sound as much as nylon, their construction still allows for a pleasant sound profile. This suggests that the WS Morandi may offer a more pronounced auditory experience at the moment of releasing a key, while the cherry MX Orange may provide a softer overall sound impact during the keystroke.
Despite the differences in materials—nylon for the Cherry MX Orange and POM for the WS Morandi—both switches can achieve somewhat similar outcomes in terms of sound depth. The MX Orange utilizes the softer nylon to create a more muted auditory quality throughout its operation, while the WS Morandi relies on POM to deliver a unique and rounded sound that also has a deeper quality. If a user were to type on both, they might find that while the sensory experience is subtly different due to the material choice, the overall deep sound profiles of both switches make them comparable in terms of delivery, emphasizing the importance of housing material in the keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Morandi is lighter at 50 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, which makes direct comparison difficult; the WS Morandi has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel when the key is fully depressed. Therefore, consumers seeking a lighter switch may prefer the WS Morandi due to its lower actuation force, while those looking for a stronger tactile experience may be drawn to the heavier bottom out force of the WS Morandi. Overall, the Cherry MX Orange offers a heavier feel based on known specifications, while the WS Morandi is lighter and more attuned to those who favor ease of actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we find that the MX Orange offers a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the MX Orange provides a more traditional and deeper key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking faster response times, a feature often favored by gamers. The preference between these two switches ultimately hinges on individual taste: if you enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, the MX Orange is the better choice, whereas the WS Morandi can facilitate quicker actions with its reduced travel distance. Overall, users looking for a deeper feel should lean toward the Cherry MX Orange, while those prioritizing swift responsiveness may opt for the WS Morandi.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch delivers a tone that is generally neutral, making it suitable for a variety of environments without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch is characterized by its low-pitched and thocky sound profile. This results in a deeper, richer auditory experience with each keystroke, akin to a satisfying thud or soft knock, which many users find appealing. However, it’s important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers an experience that is smooth, but without the elaborate descriptions provided for the WS Morandi switch, which is noted for its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations. The WS Morandi’s unique UPE stem contributes to this airy smoothness, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. As a result, users who appreciate a seamless, gliding experience when typing may prefer the Morandi, while those looking for simplicity may find the MX Orange to suffice.
Overall, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange and the WS Morandi will largely depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. The MX Orange is a great choice for those who want a solid performance switch without too much auditory or tactile excitement, while the WS Morandi is ideal for those seeking a deeper sound and a myriad of smooth typing sensations. Both switches will provide an enjoyable typing experience, but the nuanced sound and exceptional feel of the WS Morandi may appeal more to enthusiasts looking for that extra touch in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches should be guided by your personal preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a reputable and vintage-inspired switch that emphasizes a balanced yet unknown bottom-out force with significant enhancements over its predecessors, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice. Its reliability may appeal to those who prioritize familiarity and a classic typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek a modern switch that combines aesthetics, sound, and tactile pleasure, the WS Morandi is the way to go. The 60-gram bottom-out force provides a confident keystroke, while the low-pitched, thocky sound and buttery, silky feel make it perfect for longer typing sessions or an immersive gaming experience. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the nostalgic essence of the MX Orange or the innovative and visually appealing qualities of the WS Morandi—before making your decision.
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