United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi

An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, a linear switch. The Maple Leaf switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch stands out for its innovative design that combines visual aesthetics with performance. With a focus on smoothness and a unique UPE stem, the WS Morandi switches offer a different typing experience compared to the traditional tactile feel of the Maple Leaf. While the Maple Leaf is categorized as a tactile switch, the WS Morandi falls into the linear switch category. These distinctions can play a significant role in choosing the right switch for your needs. 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

65g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

2.30 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.30 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

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

18mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the WS Morandi uses a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a more muted and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Despite their differences in material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound experience for users.

In terms of sound characteristics, the Outemu Maple Leaf's nylon housing produces a duller and rounder sound that resonates with enthusiasts looking for a softer typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi's POM housing offers a unique and pleasing sound profile that is more on the muted side but still deep and satisfying. While the Maple Leaf emphasizes a fuller sound with its nylon housing, the WS Morandi showcases a more unique and distinct sound that sets it apart from other switches on the market.

When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, despite their differences in housing materials, will provide users with similar results in terms of overall sound and typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the more muted and unique sound of POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The Maple Leaf has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a medium feel. The lighter actuation force of the WS Morandi may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the WS Morandi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. While both fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the WS Morandi may provide a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of desired key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times.

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 Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Maple Leaf switch doesn't have a specific description, which may indicate a more neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch is known for its low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound. This means that the Morandi switch offers a deeper, more mellow tone with a softer and more satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches may provide a quiet typing experience, but the Morandi switch is likely to offer a more unique and enjoyable sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Maple Leaf switch doesn't have a specific description, leaving its tactile feedback up to interpretation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This indicates that the Morandi switch offers a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing sensation, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across the keys. The unique UPE stem of the Morandi switch may provide a distinct dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, different from the standard creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. Overall, the Morandi switch is likely to offer a luxurious and satisfying typing experience.

In conclusion, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Maple Leaf switch remains neutral in its description, the Morandi switch stands out for its low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound, as well as its buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the unique sound and feel of the Morandi switch for a more enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a variety of keyboards and keycaps will provide the best insight into which switch best suits individual preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a more traditional typing feel, the Maple Leaf switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value innovation, visual aesthetics, and a unique typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the WS Morandi switch might be more suited to your taste. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which one aligns better with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch – whether it's comfort, aesthetics, or a combination of both.

Mentioned in this article