Durock T1 vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Durock T1 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the Durock T1 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi. The Durock T1 is a tactile switch that prioritizes comfort while typing. With a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, the T1 provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi from Wuque Studio is a linear switch that combines innovation with visual aesthetics. Featuring an ultra-smooth feel and a mesmerizing light diffusion effect, these switches enhance RGB visuals. The WS Morandi switches also offer a unique dry and airy smoothness compared to the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With slightly shortened total travel and a medium weight, these switches strike a balance between form and function. While the T1 offers tactile feedback and a distinct sound profile, the WS Morandi provides a buttery and silky smooth typing experience with a slightly more muted sound. 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
67g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock T1 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This material is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for enhanced lighting effects. On the other hand, the WS Morandi utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the T1's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clear and resonant sound, the WS Morandi's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing audio experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the T1 incorporates a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softness, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the WS Morandi's bottom housing is also made of POM, contributing to the switch's overall sound profile. This POM bottom housing complements the POM top housing, resulting in a consistent sound experience throughout the entire keystroke.
While the housing materials of the T1 and WS Morandi differ, their impact on the overall typing experience is similar. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when the key is released. Both switches prioritize the creation of unique and pleasing sound profiles, with the T1 emphasizing crispness and the WS Morandi emphasizing depth. Additionally, both housings offer aesthetic appeal, with the T1's polycarbonate providing translucency for RGB lighting and the WS Morandi's POM material contributing to a muted and elegant appearance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is important to note that the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Durock T1 requires 67 grams of force, making it medium-heavy, while the WS Morandi requires 60 grams, making it medium.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, those who seek a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Durock T1 would provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the WS Morandi.
Although the actuation forces for both switches are unknown, it is expected that the actuation force of both switches would yield similar results. This means that despite any potential difference in bottom out force, the actuation force of both switches would create a comparable experience in terms of triggering a keystroke.
In summary, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the WS Morandi linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Durock T1 offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the WS Morandi, making it suitable for individuals seeking a stronger push feel. While the actuation forces are unknown, it is reasonable to expect similar results between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock T1 tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the T1 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Morandi. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.5 mm is on the shallower side. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing, opting for the WS Morandi with its shorter travel distance could be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the T1 with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi comes in at $4.30 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
The Durock T1 tactile switch is best known for its super comfortable typing experience. It features a medium bump when pressed, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. The sound produced by the T1 is described as low-pitched, reminiscent of rain falling on a window, which creates a calming and soothing typing atmosphere.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers a unique combination of innovation and visual aesthetics. These switches are ultra-smooth and feature a light column that diffuses light, enhancing RGB visuals with a mesmerizing effect. The WS Morandi switches have a medium weight and a slightly shortened total travel, striking a perfect balance between form and function. When typing on these switches, there is a slightly more muted sound profile, providing a more subtle and refined auditory experience.
Comparing the sound qualities of the two switches, both the T1 and the WS Morandi switches are described as low-pitched. This means that they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the WS Morandi switches are also described as subdued, offering a dampened and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Additionally, the WS Morandi switches are also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
Turning to feel, the T1 switch provides a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have two stages of tactility, offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the T1 switch is polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
The WS Morandi switches, on the other hand, offer a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The creamy and silky sensations are achieved through the application of lubricant at the factory or the use of specific materials, resulting in gliding fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The T1 provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a low-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The WS Morandi switches, on the other hand, offer an innovative visual aesthetic with ultra-smooth linear action. They have a more subdued sound profile, with a slightly muted and thocky sound. In terms of feel, the T1 switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished experience, while the WS Morandi switches provide a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation. Based on the available information, both switches offer distinct qualities, but they provide similar results in terms of comfort and satisfaction during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize comfort and enjoy the tactile experience, the Durock T1 switches are a great choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force and a medium bump, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. The sound of rain falling on a window adds to the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you value innovation, aesthetics, and a smooth linear feel, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches are the way to go. With a slightly lighter bottom out force and a unique UPE stem, these switches offer a dry, airy, and wispy smoothness. The mesmerizing light diffusion and a slightly more muted sound profile also make them appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock T1 and WS Morandi switches depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and visual aesthetics.
Mentioned in this article
