Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi present two distinct yet appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. Conversely, the WS Morandi distinguishes itself with its unique blend of innovation and aesthetics, featuring a light column that enhances RGB visuals and an airy smoothness from its UPE stem. Additionally, the WS Morandi's muted sound profile, attributed to its all-POM housing, appeals to users desiring a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches offer linear characteristics that promise smooth keystrokes, their distinct features may cater to different preferences and setups. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi utilize different materials for their top housings, greatly influencing their sound profiles. The Orange Sea's polycarbonate top housing is characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound due to the stiffness of the material. This rigidity allows for a clear and resonant sound, particularly advantageous for those who seek heightened auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is incorporated, as it allows the colors to shine through vividly. In contrast, the WS Morandi's top housing is made of POM (Polyoxymethylene), which produces a deeper, muted sound profile. This intrinsic difference highlights not only the contrast in auditory experience but also the visual elements that each housing material brings to the switch.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches use distinct materials that contribute to their overall sound character. The nylon bottom housing of the Orange Sea is classic for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, deeper auditory experience. This contrasts with the POM bottom housing of the WS Morandi, which also produces a muted and pleasing sound profile, albeit with a slightly different texture to the auditory feedback. The softer nylon in the Orange Sea allows for a rounder sound, while the POM in the WS Morandi may yield a more concise overall feel while remaining on the deeper side. Understanding these differences can guide users in their choice based on preference for sound depth and clarity.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi demonstrates how the top and bottom housings interact to create a unique typing experience. While the Orange Sea relies on the chirpiness of polycarbonate for its top and the depth of nylon for its bottom, the WS Morandi offers the muted quality of POM on both ends. This overlap in material choice between the WS Morandi’s top and bottom housing, despite the differing materials used in the Orange Sea, suggests that the WS Morandi delivers a consistent auditory experience. Both switches effectively demonstrate how the material properties can affect sound profile and tactile feedback, each catering to different user preferences while still adhering to clear design principles in switch construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Orange Sea boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Morandi requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel and prefer the tactile feedback of a firmer switch. In summary, while the Orange Sea is designed for users who appreciate lighter switches, the WS Morandi caters to those who prefer a heavier touch. Therefore, for similar typing experiences, one would need to consider their individual preferences regarding force sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we find that the Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Morandi the shorter option of the two, appealing to gamers and others who prefer quicker actuation for enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the Orange Sea provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference: a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer one for a hearty depth.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches are characterized by their neutral sound signature, which leads to a clean and subtle auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its lack of distraction. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches produce a low-pitched sound profile that is both subdued and thocky. This combination results in a deeper, mellower tone when a key is pressed, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that emphasizes a rich "thud" or soft "knock." While both switches maintain a relatively quiet operation, the Morandi's thocky nature offers a more textured sound experience compared to the Orange Sea's neutrality.
Regarding feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches excel in providing an impeccably smooth typing experience that can facilitate long typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Morandi switches are designed for a uniquely airy and fluid keystroke, described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This level of smoothness is not just a result of the materials used but also the innovative UPE stem design, which ensures an effortless gliding motion across the keys. While the Orange Sea focuses on smoothness, the Morandi adds elements of texture and elegance to the typing experience, catering to those who appreciate both performance and artistic appeal.
In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and WS Morandi linear switches offer smooth operation but differ significantly in their sound and tactile feedback. While the Orange Sea provides a neutral auditory experience and a highly smooth feel perfect for minimalists, the WS Morandi enhances the typing experience with its rich, thocky sound profile and unique, buttery keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a straightforward, smooth typing experience or a more nuanced auditory and tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a low bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Orange Sea is your best bet. Its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound profile make it ideal for fast typing or gaming where precision and speed are critical. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, the WS Morandi may cater better to your needs. Its unique design not only enhances RGB visuals but also offers a buttery and silky smooth keystroke feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions or when a more muted, thocky sound is desired. In summary, if smoothness and lightness are your top priorities, go for the Haimu Orange Sea; but if you seek a combination of aesthetics, a solid tactile feedback with subdued sound, and a buttery typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi will be the way to go.
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