Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts who value auditory feedback alongside performance. In contrast, the WS Morandi combines innovation and aesthetics, featuring a unique light column for enhanced RGB visuals and a UPE stem that contributes to its airy smoothness and muted sound profile. While the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those seeking a robust and engaging typing sound, the WS Morandi caters to users who prefer a quieter but visually striking experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches share a key similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. This commonality contributes significantly to the unique sound profile that both switches are known for, described as deep and relatively muted. The use of POM in the housings creates a satisfying auditory experience when typing or gaming, as the material is known to absorb vibrations effectively, minimizing the harshness often associated with other plastics. Consequently, users can expect to achieve a similar sound quality with both switches, enhancing their overall mechanical keyboard experience.
While both switches use the same material for their housing, any minor differences in design or manufacturing could potentially affect the feel and sound produced. Even within the same material type, the specific shaping and tolerances of the housing can influence how the mechanical switches perform during use. For example, the bottom housing is integral for the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing will affect the sound profile upon releasing the key. Thus, even if the core material remains consistent, users may report slight variations in the overall experience between the two models.
Ultimately, the focus on POM as a housing material in both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and WS Morandi switches suggests that users can expect a comparable audio profile, with both switches resonating with that pleasing, muted tone. The sound characteristics may also unify the typing experience across various keyboard layouts or switch configurations, offering mechanical keyboard enthusiasts a consistent auditory and tactile satisfaction. However, individual preference for switch feel and sound nuances may lead some users to favor one model over the other based on personal experience, even if the fundamental materials remain unchanged.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are distinct differences. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, making it a slightly lighter option, which can be advantageous for users who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force remains unknown, while the WS Morandi has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference indicates that, when fully pressed, the Morandi switch requires more force, contributing to a firmer feel. Thus, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely easier on the fingers during prolonged use, the WS Morandi offers a heavier and potentially more satisfying feedback for those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the WS Morandi may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times for faster gameplay. Ultimately, those who value responsiveness might lean towards the WS Morandi, while users desiring a deeper key press could favor the Sea Salt Smoothie. Both options reflect an evolving trend towards shorter distances in switches, making the appropriate choice largely dependent on individual user preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is characterized by its rich thocky profile that produces a deep, satisfying tone upon actuation and release. This thocky sound is often preferred by typists seeking auditory feedback without being overly loud or jarring. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch offers a combination of low-pitched and subdued sound qualities. While it maintains a thocky signature similar to the Sea Salt Smoothie, the Morandi's muted characteristics lend it a more refined and less intrusive auditory experience. Both switches provide a pleasant acoustic resonance but cater to different preferences depending on the desired sound intensity and richness.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness, likely due to its all-POM construction, which typically provides a satisfying keystroke with minimal friction. While the specifics of the Sea Salt Smoothie's tactile feedback are not detailed, the emphasis on smoothness suggests a pleasurable typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi excels in offering a luxurious tactile sensation described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This high-quality feel is often derived from the UPE stem and lubrication, creating a seamless typing experience where each keystroke flows effortlessly into the next. This results in a unique and satisfying typing experience that stands apart from many other linear switches.
Overall, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches present compelling options for those seeking linear mechanical switches. The Sea Salt Smoothie leans more toward a pronounced thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, while the Morandi offers a more subdued but refined auditory experience alongside an opulent feeling described as buttery and silky. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, and selecting between them will ultimately come down to the sound profile you favor and the tactile sensation you desire during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and the sensory experience you seek. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a satisfying thocky sound and exceptional smoothness for a rich acoustic typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be your best bet, especially if you appreciate a heavier tactile feel and you prefer switches that offer quality at a competitive price. On the other hand, if you prioritize aesthetics alongside performance, the WS Morandi could be the ideal choice, thanks to its innovative design and lower-pitched, subdued sound profile. With its buttery, creamy feel, the Morandi encourages a pleasant typing experience, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming where a smooth and airy response is desired. By considering these factors, you can confidently choose a switch that aligns with your specific needs and enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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