Akko Rosewood vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that allows for optimal acoustics straight from the box. They are known for their smooth linear action and provide a tactile experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches stand out with their innovative design, featuring a light column that not only improves RGB lighting but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your keyboard. These switches utilize an UPE stem that promotes a uniquely airy smoothness, alongside a muted sound profile resulting from their all-POM construction. While the Rosewood emphasizes sound quality and tactile feedback, the Morandi focuses on a visually appealing and smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Rosewood's nylon housing with the Wuque Studio WS Morandi's POM housing, there are striking differences in the material properties of the two switches. The Rosewood employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer texture. This results in a typing experience characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile that is more muted and subtle. Nylon’s inherent characteristics lead to a quieter keystroke, making it a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying yet understated auditory feedback while typing.
In contrast, the WS Morandi features POM for both the top and bottom housings, which brings its own distinct qualities to the table. POM, known for its durability and sturdiness, contributes to a sound profile that is also on the deeper side, albeit with a unique twist. The POM material creates a pleasing sound that is relatively more muted compared to other harder plastics, leading to a sound experience that combines clarity with a certain warmth. Thus, while both switches excel in delivering a deeper sound, the nuances of their material compositions lead to different auditory experiences, with the Rosewood providing a rounder profile and the Morandi delivering clarity wrapped in muted elegance.
Despite the differences in materials, both the Rosewood and WS Morandi switches are designed to provide satisfying typing experiences thanks to their thoughtful engineering. While the nylon of the Rosewood absorbs sound more effectively, creating a duller resonance and a softer feel overall, the POM of the WS Morandi enhances feedback in its own right, leading to unique sonic qualities. In practice, while the top and bottom housing materials will affect how these switches sound and feel on bottoming out and releasing, the deeper sound profiles they both achieve could offer similar results for end-users seeking an immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding the tactile and auditory sensations offered by these different materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Akko Rosewood features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or gaming. In contrast, the WS Morandi comes with a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel that may appeal to users seeking a more tactile typing experience. As a result, the Rosewood switch is lighter overall compared to the Morandi, making it suitable for users who favor less resistance in their keystrokes. Conversely, the heavier Morandi switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer push, providing a different feedback sensation.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Rosewood the longer option, offering a more traditional feel that some users may find preferable for its satisfying depth during key presses. In contrast, the WS Morandi’s shorter travel distance aligns with the current trend toward more responsive switches, which many gamers favor for quicker actuation. Thus, if a more immediate response is desired, the WS Morandi would be the better choice. Ultimately, those who appreciate a more pronounced key press should opt for the Akko Rosewood, whereas those seeking faster actuation might lean towards the WS Morandi.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switch excels with its deep, satisfying thocky sound profile, producing a rich acoustic that is gratifying straight out of the box due to its factory-applied lubricant. This results in a notable depth that many typists find appealing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offers a more subdued auditory experience characterized by a low-pitched, muted sound. While the Morandi's design incorporates all-POM housings, effectively dampening the sound and ensuring it leans towards a more subtle profile, it still retains a quality that many users appreciate. The choice between these two can significantly depend on personal preference regarding sound signature, as the Rosewood will provide a more resonant thock, while the Morandi caters to those who favor a softer approach.
In terms of feel, the Rosewood switches are appreciated for their smooth actuation; however, specific descriptors for their tactile experience were not given. In contrast, the WS Morandi linear switch is characterized by an exceptionally buttery, creamy, and silky sensation. This means that the Morandi offers a nearly effortless experience, as users experience a seamless gliding effect when typing. This smoothness is likely attributed to the materials used and potentially enhanced with factory lubrication, contributing to a typing experience that feels luxurious and fluid. For those prioritizing a smooth typing experience, the Morandi clearly stands out, while the Rosewood's smoothness remains less defined but still offers a pleasing typing experience.
In summary, the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Rosewood is favored for its deep, thocky sound, creating a rich auditory experience, while the Morandi impresses with its muted, low-pitched tone that offers a more subdued soundscape. On the tactile front, the Morandi's silky smoothness presents a superior experience, enhancing the overall typing flow, while the Rosewood remains a solid choice without specific tactile qualities noted. Ultimately, the decision lies in personal preference for sound and feel, both providing enjoyable typing experiences. If you find the characteristics of either appeals to you, either option would yield satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, your choice largely hinges on your priorities regarding sound, feel, and actuation force. If you appreciate a lighter feel and enjoy a deep, satisfying thocky sound directly out of the box, the Rosewood switch with its 50-gram bottom-out force is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who prefer a more acoustic typing experience, thanks to its deliberate design that emphasizes a rich, thocky audio characteristic. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing switch that also provides a balanced medium actuation force of 60 grams, the WS Morandi may be your best bet. Its unique UPE stem contributes to a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience while offering a muted, low-pitched sound profile that some users might find more desirable in certain environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also how you intend to use your keyboard, whether for gaming, typing, or a blend of both.
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