Kailh Sage vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offer two distinct typing experiences. The Sage switches are best known for their invigorating and sharp clickiness, providing a truly satisfying tactile feedback. With a heavier weight and a refreshingly crisp click, these switches give a unique feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches focus on innovation and visual aesthetics. These linear switches offer an ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by a mesmerizing light diffusion effect created by their light column. With a medium weight and a slightly shortened total travel, the WS Morandi switches strike the perfect balance between form and function. They provide a creamy and buttery smoothness, thanks to the UPE stem, and produce a slightly more muted sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
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
The Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi have different top housing materials, which greatly impact their sound profiles. The Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Morandi features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The POM material gives the Morandi a unique sound profile that is pleasing to the ears. While they differ in sound, both the Sage and the Morandi's materials enhance their performance with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, the Sage and the WS Morandi take separate paths again. The Sage employs nylon as its bottom housing material. This classic choice elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound, giving typists a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Morandi utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to its overall sound characteristics. The POM material, similar to its top housing, delivers a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of sound, both the Sage and the Morandi excel in providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Kailh Sage and the WS Morandi, it is important to note that each housing material brings its own qualities to the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even though the Sage and the Morandi have distinct housing materials, each aspect contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the specific measurement for both switches is unavailable. However, it is worth noting that the actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke. Therefore, regardless of the specific measurement, both switches will provide a similar result in terms of actuation.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium category. This indicates that the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the WS Morandi linear switch.
Considering weight is important for various reasons, as it can impact typing endurance and the overall tactile experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch, as it allows them to type for longer durations comfortably. This is particularly advantageous for keyboards used during work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, others may prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.
In conclusion, while the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience with a bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the WS Morandi linear switch offers a medium typing experience with a bottom out force of 60 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing endurance and the desired tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Sage has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more prevalent in recent times. Gamers especially lean towards shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the WS Morandi with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes. In such cases, selecting the Kailh Sage switch with its longer travel distance would be preferable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired feel of keystrokes.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Sage clicky switch is best described as crunchy. It offers a distinct clicky typing experience that is commonly associated with the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a more low-pitched and subdued sound profile. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, resulting in a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. Additionally, the WS Morandi switch is also described as thocky, meaning that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Typing on a WS Morandi switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The specific feel of a switch can also be influenced by the presence of lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or the materials used.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a distinct and crunchy sound with an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, while the WS Morandi switch offers a low-pitched, thocky, and slightly muted sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth feel. The choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. It is important to consider the sound and feel of the switch in relation to the overall aesthetics, as well as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a distinct and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Sage switches would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a refreshing sharpness in clickiness and a weight that adds to the typist's satisfaction. On the other hand, if you value innovation and visual aesthetics, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches would be a great option. These switches not only provide a mesmerizing RGB visual effect with their light diffusion but also offer an ultra-smooth and airy typing experience with a medium bottom out force. The slightly muted sound profile of the WS Morandi switches adds to their appeal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize the distinct clickiness of the Sage switches or the smoothness and visual aesthetics of the WS Morandi switches. Whichever option you choose, both switches provide unique and satisfying typing experiences.
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