Gateron Box CJ vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features and characteristics for a personalized typing experience. The Box CJ is favored for its swift speed and higher-pitched clacks, providing a smooth push feel that can be customized to individual preferences. On the other hand, the WS Morandi stands out for its innovative design, with a light-diffusing column for enhanced RGB visuals and a distinct dry and airy smoothness. While the Box CJ is described as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the WS Morandi is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Both switches offer a balance between performance and aesthetics, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the WS Morandi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the POM housing of the WS Morandi provides a sleek and modern look.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Box CJ uses nylon which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the WS Morandi also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, contributing to the consistent deep and muted sound profile of the switch. Despite the different materials used for the bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. While the Box CJ offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination, the WS Morandi provides a deeper and more muted sound profile with POM for both top and bottom housing. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their own distinct qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Gateron Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a medium-light to medium feel, but the WS Morandi requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Morandi, making it better suited for those who prefer a more traditional depth when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a great option for gamers or individuals who prioritize faster response times. Both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize depth or responsiveness in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers a clacky and sharp sound when pressed, creating a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch produces a more low-pitched and subdued sound, providing a mellow and subtle typing experience. The Morandi switch also has a thocky sound when pressed, adding a deep and satisfying element to the typing experience. The choice between the two switches will depend on whether the typist prefers a sharper, clacky sound or a more mellow, thocky sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Box CJ offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The Morandi switch also has a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Thus, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the typist prefers a mild and safe typing experience or a buttery and creamy smoothness.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Box CJ and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches, it is clear that they offer distinct sound and feel qualities. The CJ switch provides a clacky sound with a mild typing experience, while the Morandi switch delivers a low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, typists can choose between the sharp and percussive nature of the CJ switch or the mellow and smooth typing experience of the Morandi switch. In either case, both switches promise quality and reliability for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you prioritize rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and an impossibly smooth push feel, then the Gateron Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value innovation, visual aesthetics, and a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, the WS Morandi switches might be more appealing. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a slightly more muted sound profile and a buttery, creamy, or silky typing experience, the WS Morandi switches could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make your decision based on what feels best for you.
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