Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi reflects distinct preferences in typing experience and aesthetics. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying medium-strength bump that enhances the tactile experience without being overly aggressive, making it an appealing choice for typists and gamers alike who appreciate palpable feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Morandi offers a linear switch experience, marked by its signature UPE stem that delivers an exceptionally smooth and airy typing sensation, while also boasting a muted sound profile due to its all-POM housing. This makes the Morandi an excellent choice for users who enjoy a quieter environment and prioritizing smooth actuation over tactile response. Each switch presents unique advantages depending on your typing style and individual preferences. 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
45g
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
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi keyboards present a fascinating study in contrast with their respective housing materials: nylon for the former and POM for the latter. Nylon is recognized for its classic use in switch housings, contributing to a deep and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to its relatively soft and absorbent nature, which helps to dampen higher frequencies and produce a sound that is notably round and duller. On the contrary, the POM housing of the WS Morandi also offers a unique sound profile, equally leaning towards the deeper end but with a more muted quality. While both materials succeed in providing a pleasing auditory experience, their subtle differences in sound characterization are influenced by their inherent material properties.
Additionally, the bottom housing of each switch further emphasizes these distinctions. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom, ensuring a cohesive sound experience that aligns with its design intent of delivering a rounded acoustic response. This means that every keystroke produced by the MX Purple RGB carries that characteristic nylon sound, likely leading to a very harmonious auditory profile between the key press and release. On the flip side, the WS Morandi employs POM for its bottom housing as well, which also produces a deep, pleasing sound. However, because POM offers a slightly different resonance and sound dampening compared to nylon, the overall auditory experience while typing on the WS Morandi is uniquely categorized as pleasantly muted, with echoes of the POM characteristics influencing the typing feedback differently than nylon would.
In practical terms, both keyboards deliver distinctive sound profiles while maintaining a deeper resonance, albeit through different materials. Users looking to achieve a similar auditory experience between the two can appreciate the full potential by recognizing how each material's properties contribute to the final sound output and feel. The tactile experience is also contingent on the bottom housing's impact during key presses, with each keyboard providing its unique interpretation of sound dampening and acoustics. Ultimately, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Wuque Studio WS Morandi employ different materials, each key stroke results in a nuanced yet compelling auditory experience facilitated by the interplay of their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Morandi has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, making the MX Purple RGB the lighter option overall. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, while the WS Morandi features a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. For users who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is more suitable. Conversely, those who seek a firmer keypress experience may prefer the WS Morandi, particularly due to its defined bottom out force that provides feedback during typing. Thus, while both switches offer unique experiences, the actuation and bottom out forces highlight a clear preference for lighter or heavier options depending on user needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the differences are quite noticeable. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with a more traditional preference for a deeper feel, providing satisfying feedback for typists and gamers who enjoy that tactile depth. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to users who favor quicker responses for gaming or rapid typing. As shorter travel distances tend to offer more immediate actuation and potentially faster response times, the WS Morandi may appeal more to those seeking a swift and nimble keystroke. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the better choice, while the WS Morandi serves those who are inclined towards efficiency and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Purple RGB switches provide a well-defined auditory experience, though specific descriptions of their sound profile aren't provided. Given their tactile nature, users can expect a reasonable amount of feedback noise during typing. In contrast, the WS Morandi switches are characterized by their low-pitched and thocky sound profile, delivering deep and satisfying auditory feedback. This produces a more bass-heavy tone that many typists find pleasing, often equated to a soft "thud" when the keys are pressed and released. For those who appreciate a quieter typing experience, the WS Morandi's muted sound profile is a standout feature, potentially lending itself to a more subdued work environment.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a refined tactile experience that includes a moderate-strength bump, providing users with clear feedback during use. While additional specifics on the feel are not mentioned, the fundamental tactile nature is known to contribute to an engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches stand out for their buttery, creamy, and silky smoothness. The combination of these qualities translates to an effortlessly fluid keystroke that minimizes resistance, enhancing overall typing comfort. The luxurious texture of these switches suggests an exceptional smoothness, almost gliding across the surface, making them an appealing choice for those who prioritize typing comfort.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a solid tactile experience with moderate auditory feedback, the WS Morandi switches provide a unique advantage in both sound and feel with their low-pitched thocky tones and smooth let-offs. If sound quality is a determining factor, the Morandi's muted characteristics may be preferable, especially in office settings. Meanwhile, the tactile feedback of the MX Purple might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced bump during typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different aspects of keyboard feel and acoustics, allowing newcomers to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump that provides satisfying feedback while typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be the ideal pick for you. It's especially suited for those who appreciate a refined tactile sensation and are looking for a switch that doesn’t require a significantly heavy bottom-out force, making it accessible for marathon typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter typing experience, the WS Morandi is the way to go. Its buttery, creamy feel combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more fluid keystroke with an emphasis on aesthetics enhanced by RGB illumination. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the tactile feedback and engagement of the Cherry MX Purple RGB or the silky smoothness and aesthetic visuals of the WS Morandi.