Wuque Studio WS Morandi vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Morandi and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer different experiences are the Wuque Studio WS Morandi and the SP-Star Yanyu, both of which are linear switches. The WS Morandi stands out with its innovative design and visual aesthetics. It features an ultra-smooth feel, thanks to the UPE stem and its unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, which sets it apart from factory-lubed switches. With its mesmerizing light diffusion capabilities, the WS Morandi enhances RGB visuals, creating a captivating effect. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are ideal for those seeking a delicate typing experience or those who spend long periods typing. They offer a crisp sound profile and a blend of materials that contribute to their unique feel. While the Morandi switches have a slightly more muted sound, the Yanyu switches provide a more substantial and polished sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Morandi and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The WS Morandi features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, resulting in a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, the Morandi leans towards a deeper tone, while the Yanyu leans towards a brighter tone.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the WS Morandi and the Yanyu have distinct materials and sound profiles. The Morandi's POM bottom housing contributes to its deep and muted sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing creates a unique sound that is more on the brighter side. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities become evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Comparatively, the Yanyu's bottom housing may provide a slightly crisper bottom-out sound, while the Morandi's bottom housing offers a softer and less pronounced impact.
Although their housing materials differ for both the top and bottom, the WS Morandi and the Yanyu share a common goal of delivering a pleasing sound profile. While the Morandi focuses on creating a deep and muted sound through its POM housing, the Yanyu aims for a slightly brighter tone with its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing. Despite these differences, both switches strive to offer an enjoyable typing experience and provide unique sound characteristics. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and satisfaction from the WS Morandi and the Yanyu, albeit with subtle variations in tone and brightness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is important to consider weight as a deciding factor. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the WS Morandi possesses a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium, while the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a lighter touch. For individuals seeking a lighter switch to facilitate longer typing durations or extended gaming sessions, the Yanyu would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, may lean towards the WS Morandi or other options with heavier forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The WS Morandi has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The traditional travel distance is typically 4.0 mm, making the Yanyu more aligned with the standard, while the WS Morandi offers a shallower depth. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so the WS Morandi may be the preferred option for those seeking increased responsiveness. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and in that case, the Yanyu with its longer travel distance may be the better choice for those who prefer a more hearty depth. In summary, the WS Morandi offers a shorter travel distance, while the Yanyu provides a slightly longer distance, catering to different preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi comes in at $3.90 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 WS Morandi linear switch offers a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a more relaxed auditory experience. The subdued nature of the switch dampens the sound when pressed, resulting in a more subtle sound signature. Additionally, the thocky quality produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, reminiscent of a soft "knock" or a deep "thud." On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a neutral sound profile that falls in the middle ground. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most users. The Yanyu switch also offers a thocky sound, similar to the WS Morandi, providing a satisfying auditory experience. However, it should be noted that sound can also be influenced by factors like keyboard board choice and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the WS Morandi linear switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. The buttery characteristic gives it a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The creamy quality suggests that the switch is likely factory-lubed, resulting in a smooth and buttery feel, similar to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. The silky attribute enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users. The feathery quality means the switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The subtle nature of the switch offers a gentle resistance while maintaining a light typing feel. Additionally, the polished characteristic indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the WS Morandi and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The WS Morandi provides a slightly muted sound profile with low-pitched, subdued, and thocky characteristics. It offers a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, delivering a seamless and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu has a neutral sound profile with thocky qualities, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Its feel is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience. While the two switches have different qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup, such as the keyboard board and keycaps, to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize innovation and visual aesthetics, as well as a slightly more muted sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. These switches not only showcase a mesmerizing light diffusion effect, but also offer a unique dry and airy smoothness that sets them apart from factory-lubed switches. With a medium bottom out force, slightly shortened total travel, and a long pole design, the WS Morandi strikes a perfect balance between form and function.
On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate typing experience or need switches for long periods of typing, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch might be more suitable. These switches are known for their crisp sound profile and are well-suited for both beginners and advanced users. With moderate actuation force and a thocky sound, the Yanyu provides a satisfying typing experience for various purposes, whether at home or in a professional setting.
Ultimately, the choice between the WS Morandi and the Yanyu comes down to personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing needs. Consider the factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and overall feel that align with your preferences and use case. By evaluating these aspects, you can confidently choose the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your individual needs.
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