Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches stand out for their innovative design, particularly with their ultra-smooth linear feel and visually stunning RGB enhancements. While the Nixie provides a traditional thocky typing experience, the Morandi offers a buttery and creamy smoothness with a slightly more muted sound profile. Both switches serve different preferences and purposes, making them appealing choices for different types of users. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in terms of the materials used. The Nixie features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the WS Morandi utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both provide pleasing sound experiences, the Nixie's nylon top housing may offer a rounder tone compared to the WS Morandi's POM top housing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials of these switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi maintain the same characteristics as their respective top housing materials. The Nixie's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Likewise, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing offers a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, aligning with its top housing properties. Therefore, both switches provide a consistent sound experience throughout, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
Overall, despite the differences in the housing materials used for the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, both switches aim to create a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. Whether it's the nylon in the Nixie or the POM in the WS Morandi, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound with a touch of uniqueness. While the Nixie's nylon housing may offer a slightly rounder tone compared to the WS Morandi's POM housing, both switches prioritize providing an enjoyable and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific sound qualities that users are looking for in their keyboards.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. The Nixie switch is heavier overall, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Morandi switch is lighter, ideal for users who prefer a smoother typing experience. Both switches offer a different feel when typing, with the Nixie requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Morandi, which provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we can see that the Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Morandi's 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being more standard and 3.0 mm being shallower, the Nixie offers a slightly deeper key press experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Morandi, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a more subdued sound signature with a thocky and low-pitched tone, creating a dampened yet pleasing typing sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing enjoyment for users.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is characterized by its textured typing experience, providing a tactile sensation that some users may appreciate for its friction. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke that effortlessly melts into each press. The silky typing sensation of the WS Morandi switch sets it apart from the textured feel of the Nixie, offering users a different tactile experience to enjoy while typing.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Cherry Nixie and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches, users can expect distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences with each switch. While the Nixie offers a textured feel and a thocky, low-pitched sound, the WS Morandi provides a buttery, creamy feel and a more subdued, thocky sound profile. Ultimately, users will find that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing them to customize their typing experience to suit their individual tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, then the Cherry Nixie switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a buttery and creamy typing feel, as well as a subdued and thocky sound profile, then the WS Morandi switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your personal preferences and typing style.
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