Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its exceptional value, featuring a delightful poppy and clacky sound that not only enhances your typing experience but also provides a bouncy, snappy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches shine with their innovative design, utilizing ball-bearings to minimize friction and deliver a remarkably smooth keystroke experience. This leads to a distinct medium-high pitched sound signature that some users may find more appealing for a quieter, more refined typing experience. While both switches offer smoothness and responsiveness characteristic of linear switches, your choice will largely depend on whether you prefer the lively auditory feedback of the Akko V3 or the silky, noise-reductive action of the WS Pearl. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, it becomes evident that the choice of top housing significantly affects the overall acoustics of each switch. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for clearer sound resonance. Furthermore, the translucent quality of polycarbonate is advantageous when employing RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. This contrasts with the WS Pearl's nylon top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound, leading to a rounder acoustic experience, thus providing a distinct auditory feedback compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize nylon. In this case, both switches share a commonality that contributes to the overall sound experience. The nylon bottom housing is celebrated for its ability to mitigate higher frequencies, resulting in a duller, fuller sound. As such, the qualities of the bottom housing in both switches will lead to a deeper bottom-out sound and feel. The integration of nylon in both switches ensures a smooth and pleasurable typing experience, making it an ideal material for enhancing overall acoustic performance.
Overall, while the top housing materials differ between the two models—polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Black Pro and nylon in the WS Pearl—the bottom housing is uniform in both cases, utilizing nylon for its beneficial acoustic qualities. This means that despite the contrasting effects of the top housing on sound profile, users can expect a similar richness in sound and typing sensation due to their shared choice of nylon in the bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of these materials will produce varied auditory experiences, defined by the distinct acoustics of the polycarbonate top in the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the rounded depth afforded by the nylon in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, a noticeable difference in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may appeal to users who prefer the substantial push feel that a heavier switch provides. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range and making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces the fatigue associated with heavier switches. Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option, while the WS Pearl is the lighter switch, allowing for distinct typing experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness in their keystrokes, as shorter distances allow for quicker actuation. Conversely, the WS Pearl's 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a more pronounced typing experience for users who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the preferable choice, while the WS Pearl caters to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
The sound produced by the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized by a high-pitched, poppy quality, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound profile is distinct and can be quite satisfying for users who prefer a brighter acoustic signature over deeper tones. In contrast, while the WS Pearl also delivers a unique auditory experience, it is described to have a medium-high pitched sound that adds a touch of complexity to its acoustic signature. This means that while both switches fall within the high-pitched category, the V3 Cream Black Pro leans more towards the clacky sound, which is appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a creamy, bouncy typing experience. The creamy sensation is akin to a smooth glide, making every keystroke feel effortless—a tactile pleasure for anyone typing at length. The bounce adds a lively element to their performance, providing a satisfying rebound without feeling overly stiff. The V3 Cream's polished finish further enhances this experience by reducing friction. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the Wuque Studio WS Pearl are not specified, so we cannot directly compare their feel. However, given their design with ball bearings aimed at reducing friction, it’s safe to assume they provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, though it's uncertain if they share the same bounciness or buttery feel.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and WS Pearl linear switches strive to deliver a smooth typing experience, they exhibit distinct differences in sound signature and feel. The Cream Black Pro excels in producing a crisp, high-pitched sound and offers a buttery and bouncy sensation during typing, making it a great option for those who value high auditory feedback alongside creamy feel. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl, with its ball-bearing design, likely promotes a smoother typing experience but lacks specified characteristics that would allow for a full comparison in terms of feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different tastes within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and the typing experience you desire. If you’re looking for a moderately heavier keypress that feels both creamy and bouncy, while also producing a distinctively high-pitched sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent option. Its 65 grams of bottom-out force gives it a substantial feel that appeals to those who prefer a more tactile feedback during typing, amplified by the satisfying clacky audio signature. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch with a more surreal smoothness, thanks to its innovative ball-bearing mechanism, the WS Pearl is worth considering. With a bottom-out force of 58 grams, it delivers an incredibly smooth keystroke experience that feels effortless and minimal in resistance, coupled with a medium-high pitched sound. In essence, go with the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro for a more engaging and tactile sensation, or opt for the WS Pearl if you prioritize an ultra-smooth and lighter typing experience. Your ultimate satisfaction will depend on which characteristics align better with your typing style and audio preferences.
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