Gazzew U4Tx vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Marrying the best of both worlds, the Gazzew U4Tx and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and options for keyboard enthusiasts. The U4Tx switches are renowned for their refined sound profile, combining the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. This creates a satisfying tactile bump and a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches focus on innovation and visual aesthetics. With their ultra-smooth linear feel and a light-diffusing column, these switches enhance RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. The UPE stem provides a distinct dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, setting them apart from factory-lubed switches. While the U4Tx has a more bassy and sharp sound profile, the WS Morandi offers a slightly more muted sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and visual aesthetics. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4Tx and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi have contrasting housing materials that create unique sound profiles. The U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In comparison, the WS Morandi uses a POM top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is on the deeper side but relatively more muted. While both materials aim to create pleasing sounds, the U4Tx offers a more vibrant and pronounced tone, while the WS Morandi produces a more subtle and calming sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the U4Tx and WS Morandi exhibit similarities in their sound profiles. Both switches use a proprietary plastic blend, with the U4Tx opting for the Gazzew blend and the WS Morandi incorporating POM. The shared characteristic is that the sound profiles emerge on the deeper side, providing a satisfying auditory experience. However, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing is relatively more muted compared to the U4Tx's bottom housing. This distinction suggests that the U4Tx may offer a slightly more pronounced and immersive sound upon bottoming out.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the U4Tx and WS Morandi play different roles. Pressing down on a switch primarily highlights the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, both switches demonstrate a propensity for deep and rich sound profiles due to their proprietary plastic blends. On the other hand, the sound when a key is released is influenced by the top housing. The Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx enhances the overall sound release, delivering a richer and more resonant tonality when compared to the WS Morandi's POM top housing.
In summary, although both the Gazzew U4Tx and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi employ proprietary plastic blends, they offer differing sound profiles. The U4Tx's Gazzew blend provides a rich and deep sound, while the WS Morandi's POM blend creates a relatively more muted and calming sound. While both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials, resulting in satisfying deep sound profiles, the U4Tx's top housing offers a more vibrant and resonant sound upon key release. Whether seeking a more pronounced and energetic typing experience or a subtle and tranquil ambiance, both switches provide unique options to cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force for both switches is currently unavailable. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the U4Tx requires a slightly heavier force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Morandi has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is classified as medium.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer durations without experiencing fatigue. This is especially suitable for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, there are others who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, choosing a switch with a heavier force would be more appropriate.
In this case, since the actuation force for both switches is unknown, it is difficult to make a precise comparison. However, given that the bottom out force for the WS Morandi is slightly lighter at 60 grams compared to the U4Tx's 65 grams, it can be inferred that the WS Morandi may provide a slightly lighter typing experience. However, without knowing the actuation force, it is impossible to determine the exact similarities or differences between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is clear that the U4Tx has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the WS Morandi's 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range typically preferred by users, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, the trend of shorter travel distances has gained popularity, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. In this regard, the WS Morandi may be the preferred option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and deep keystroke experience may find the slightly longer travel distance of the U4Tx more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a snappier and responsive feel or a more deliberate and satisfying keystroke depth.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4Tx and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offer slightly different profiles. The U4Tx is known for its deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. This switch provides a luxurious typing experience with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the WS Morandi has a slightly more muted sound profile. Though it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed. The WS Morandi is also described as having a low-pitched and thocky sound, giving it a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. Keep in mind that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It has a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is described as buttery and silky, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Morandi is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
Considering all the available information, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a refined sound profile with a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a quiet topping out sound. It provides a satisfying tactile bump and a sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches have a slightly more muted sound profile with a low-pitched and thocky tone. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a seamless and uniform sensation. While these switches have their own unique qualities, if you are looking for a similar sound and feel, the WS Morandi can provide a more subdued and dampened sound with a buttery and silky typing experience similar to the U4Tx. Remember to consider factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a combination of deep, resonant sound and quiet topping out, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a sharp tactile bump and a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more visually appealing design, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, along with a mesmerizing light diffusing effect. While the U4Tx has a more bassy and muted sound profile, the WS Morandi offers a low-pitched, subdued, and slightly more muted sound. In terms of feel, the U4Tx has a sharp tactile bump, while the WS Morandi provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, described as buttery, creamy, and silky. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preference for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.