Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique qualities for discerning enthusiasts. The Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance, delivering a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. On the other hand, the WS Morandi combines innovation with visual aesthetics, featuring ultra-smooth linear switches with a light-diffusing column for enhanced RGB visuals. While the Smoothie Silver is known for its speed and smoothness, the WS Morandi offers a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness with a distinct 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both feature POM top and bottom housing materials that create a pleasing and unique sound profile. Both switches offer a deeper and relatively more muted sound compared to other housing materials. This results in a more subtle typing experience that is less noisy and disruptive in a shared workspace or public setting.
While both switches share the same POM housing materials, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing of each switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when the key is released, giving each switch a distinctive typing feel based on the distribution of these qualities.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offer a similar sound profile and typing experience due to their shared POM housing materials. Both switches provide a tactile and smooth typing experience with a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to other switches on the market. Whether choosing the Gateron Smoothie Silver or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience with minimal noise disruption.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the WS Morandi's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the WS Morandi is heavier at 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Wuque Studio WS Morandi with its higher bottom out force. In either case, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. While the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, the WS Morandi has a slightly longer travel distance which may provide a slightly more traditional typing feel compared to the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly longer key press, the WS Morandi may be the better option for you, but if you prefer a slightly shorter and more responsive feel, the Smoothie Silver would be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a more subdued and slightly muted sound profile with low-pitched tones, creating a more relaxing and subtle auditory experience. The choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced and tactile sound (Smoothie Silver) or a softer and more understated sound (WS Morandi).
When it comes to feel, the Smoothie Silver switch is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch due to its all-POM construction. The WS Morandi, on the other hand, offers a unique dry and airy smoothness thanks to its UPE stem, providing a slightly buttery and silky typing experience. While the Smoothie Silver delivers a quicker actuation with a shorter travel distance, the WS Morandi strikes a balance between smoothness, weight, and overall feel, making it a versatile option for those who appreciate a harmonious typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Smoothie Silver provides a thocky sound and a feather-light touch, while the WS Morandi delivers a subdued sound and a unique dry smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience. However, if you enjoy a smoother typing experience, both switches are crafted to provide a satisfying key press, ensuring a pleasurable and efficient typing session.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a balance between innovation, visual aesthetics, and a unique typing experience with a medium weight and a slightly muted sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch would be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and sound or visual aesthetics and feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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