Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are known for their budget-friendly yet high-quality build, with a noticeable poppy and clacky sound that is complemented by their smoothness. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, with a focus on maximum RGB lighting customization thanks to their transparent polycarbonate top housing. Each switch has its own characteristics - the Cream Black Pro being categorized as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, and snappy, while the WS Aurora Clear is described as buttery, mild, high-pitched, and polished. 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
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they differ in terms of their bottom housings.
The V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds to the typing experience. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE for its bottom housing, a newer material in switch housings. This material offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housings. This showcases the difference in the sound profiles created by the bottom housings of these two switches.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, they each offer a unique sound experience due to their different bottom housings. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. This highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound produced by mechanical switches, providing users with a variety of options to cater to their sound preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch with 53 grams, making the V3 Cream Black Pro slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro requires 65 grams to fully press down, while the WS Aurora Clear needs 63.5 grams, again making the V3 Cream Black Pro slightly heavier. Both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear may be the better option, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a slightly deeper keypress, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches are high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This characteristic can provide a satisfying auditory feedback while typing, particularly for those who prefer a more distinct and pronounced sound profile in their mechanical keyboard.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation with an elastic feedback. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a buttery and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke with a gentle touch. Both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches have some differences in sound and feel, they both offer excellent qualities for those seeking high-quality linear switches. Whether you prefer a more pronounced high-pitched sound or a smooth and gentle typing feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and needs, but rest assured that you can expect similar high-quality results from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy and clacky sound, as well as a creamy and bouncy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, along with a buttery and polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear could be the ideal switch for your needs. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, so it really comes down to the sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what qualities matter most to you in your typing experience.
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