KTT Pine vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are two options that offer unique features and benefits. The KTT Pine is a linear switch that is renowned for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth typing experience. It boasts a polished, factory-lubed finish, which minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. The Pine is categorized as 'bassy', 'buttery', 'creamy', and 'low-pitched'. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches from Wuque Studio combine innovation with visual aesthetics. These linear switches feature a light column that diffuses light, enhancing RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. With a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness provided by the UPE stem, the Morandi switches have a distinct feel from factory-lubed switches. They strike the perfect balance between form and function thanks to their medium weight, slightly shortened total travel, and long pole design. Categorized as 'buttery', 'creamy', 'low-pitched', 'silky', 'subdued', and 'thocky', the WS Morandi switches offer a slightly more muted sound profile. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Pine utilizing a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Morandi opts for a POM top and bottom housing. These materials impart distinct sound profiles to the switches. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, with a higher-pitched tone. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's POM top housing produces a unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. This contrast in sound characteristics allows users to choose based on their preference for a clearer or more subdued sound experience when typing.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials also vary between the two switches. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing offers translucency, which makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This allows users to customize the visual appearance of their keyboard with vibrant and dynamic lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Morandi's POM top housing lacks translucency, providing a more solid and consistent appearance to the switch. This gives users a sleek and minimalist aesthetic option without the intricate lighting possibilities.
However, despite these differences, both the KTT Pine and the WS Morandi share similarities in their use of polycarbonate and POM materials for their bottom housing. Polycarbonate and POM are both relatively stiffer plastics, contributing to a clear and resonant sound profile. Therefore, pressing down on either switch will result in a similar impact and sound when bottoming out. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience for users across the two switches, regardless of their choice of top housing material.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi significantly influence the sound characteristics and aesthetics of the switches. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, coupled with translucency for RGB lighting possibilities, while the WS Morandi's POM top housing provides a unique and deeper sound profile with a sleek solid appearance. However, both switches share a common ground in their use of polycarbonate and POM materials for the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience when bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the WS Morandi's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, also classified as medium.
Considering weight, some users prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In this regard, the Pine switch may be a favorable choice with its slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the WS Morandi with its 60-gram bottom out force could be a better option.
While the actuation force for the WS Morandi is not specified, it is worth noting that both switches fall into the medium range for bottom out force. This suggests that the overall experience of key presses when fully pressed down would be similar between the two switches. Therefore, if the actuation forces are comparable as well, users would likely achieve similar results in terms of the typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Pine's travel distance is considered more traditional, as it falls in the 4.0 mm range. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, which is more shallow and tends to be preferred by gamers for its faster response times. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the WS Morandi would be the better option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, so if you prefer a deeper sensation while pressing down on a key, the Pine with its longer travel distance would be the more suitable choice. Overall, these switches offer distinct travel distances that cater to different preferences and gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, both the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches have low-pitched characteristics, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. Additionally, the Pine switches are described as bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches have a slightly more muted sound profile, described as subdued. This means that while they are not completely silent, they offer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Furthermore, the WS Morandi switches are also described as thocky, which means they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while there may be slight differences in sound between the Pine and WS Morandi switches, both can provide similar results in terms of bass-heavy and mellow tones.
When it comes to feel, both the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches are described with terms like buttery, creamy, and silky. These descriptors imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The creamy feel of the switches is often attributed to lubrication applied in the factory or specific materials used. When typing on either the Pine or WS Morandi switches, users can expect a silky sensation, as if their fingers are gliding effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. This indicates that both switches offer a similar level of smoothness and comfort during typing.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Pine and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches share several subjective qualities. Both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, characterized by their buttery, creamy, and silky feel. In terms of sound, both switches have low-pitched characteristics, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. While there may be slight differences in sound profiles, such as the Pine switches being described as more bassy and the WS Morandi switches having a slightly more muted sound, both switches can deliver similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for visual aesthetics or other specific features unique to each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Pine linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have a medium weight, with the Pine at 58 grams and the WS Morandi at 60 grams. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with the Pine described as medium-heavy and the WS Morandi described as having a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness.
When it comes to sound, both switches have a low-pitched profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Pine is also described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Morandi is slightly more subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed, and can also be described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific aesthetic and typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a more polished, factory-lubed finish with smooth key travel, the Pine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a visually aesthetic switch with a slightly more muted sound profile and a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, the WS Morandi may be the switch that suits your preferences. In the end, it's important to consider both the sound and feel of the switches to find the one that best matches your typing style and preferences.