Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ serve as excellent contenders, each catering to distinct preferences and needs. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound that resonates with users who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, its smoothness and bouncy feel enhance the overall experience, making it an attractive option for those who value performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch, crafted entirely from POM material, emphasizes a deeper, more subdued "thock" sound alongside an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This makes it a prime choice for users seeking a more refined and quiet typing experience, combined with a polished feel that enhances productivity. Both switches showcase their unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on sound preference and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
20mm
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ showcase distinct approaches to housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially in setups with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through, creating a visually striking effect. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that generates a deeper, more muted sound. POM's unique characteristics lend themselves to producing a richer auditory experience, but with a tone that is markedly different from the bright clarity offered by polycarbonate.
When looking at the bottom housing, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro employs nylon, a time-honored material in switch construction known for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, resulting in a duller yet rounder tone compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the WS POM+ retains POM in its bottom housing as well, maintaining the same deep and muted sound qualities attributed to the top housing. Both switches thus harness the sound-altering properties of their respective materials, showcasing that while the construction differs, the end result in terms of tonal quality can bear some similarities, particularly in the reduced sharpness and deeper resonance found in both switches.
In essence, the distinct housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ create nuanced auditory differences. While the V3's polycarbonate top brings clarity and crispness, the WS POM+'s POM top adds a touch of warmth with its deeper profile. For the bottoms, the nylon of the V3 complements the polycarbonate's clarity with a rounded sound, while the POM bottom in the WS POM+ echoes the muted qualities of its upper housing. Overall, if sound profiles are aligned, one can achieve similar auditory experiences through thoughtful combination choices, making it possible to tailor the keyboard experience to individual preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS POM+ is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This difference in weight may influence user preference: those who enjoy a lighter feel for prolonged typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the WS POM+, while users who appreciate a more substantial push feel might prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro. The two switches exhibit a consistent pattern, as both have a lighter actuation force compared to their bottom out force, making them suitable for their respective user groups. Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter option, the WS POM+ is the clear choice, while the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option for those who favor a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we find that the V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS POM+ has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro is the shorter of the two options, appealing to gamers and users who prefer quick response times due to the reduced distance. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you prefer a quicker and more responsive action, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the better choice, while the WS POM+ may be more suited for users who value a more traditional and robust typing experience.
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 POM+ 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The V3 Cream Black Pro is heralded for its poppy and clacky sound, which tends to lean towards a higher-pitched, crisp auditory response when pressed. This sound might appeal to those who prefer sharper tones over more subdued or bass-heavy timbres. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers a deeper thock sound characterized by a rich resonance that provides a satisfying auditory feedback experience. It delivers a low-pitched, subdued sound profile that feels more rounded and full, offering a mellow experience during typing that contrasts with the sharper sounds of the V3 Cream Black Pro.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches excel with their creamy and polished nature, allowing for a smooth, buttery typing experience. The bouncy feedback adds a lively, elastic sensation with each keypress, making it feel responsive and engaging. The sensation is further enhanced by a polished finish, leading to reduced friction and effortless keystrokes. The WS POM+ switches, on the other hand, are notable for their buttery and silky feel, prioritizing smoothness and fluidity during use. The seamless keystroke and minimal resistance allow for a similarly effortless typing experience, but without the bouncy feedback that the V3 Cream Black Pro provides.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches both offer pleasant typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a crisper, more pronounced sound with a lively feel enriched by bounciness. In contrast, the WS POM+ leans towards a more subdued auditory experience, offering a deeper sound with an ultra-smooth typing sensation. Depending on what qualities resonate most with you—whether it's the high-pitched pop or the deep thock sound—your choice between these switches will ultimately shape your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're a newcomer exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ can significantly impact your typing experience based on your preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro, with its medium-heavy feel and distinctive poppy, clacky sound, is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions. These switches are particularly suited to users who appreciate a firmer keypress and a bouncy, creamy sensation that enhances responsiveness, making them great for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more gentle keystroke with a focus on smoothness, the WS POM+ offers an elegantly low-pressure experience with a deeper, thocky sound profile. Individuals who favor a quieter and more subdued typing environment will find the silky feel of the WS POM+ particularly appealing, as it promotes effortless keystrokes and can accommodate extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific priorities, whether they be tactile feedback, sound preference, or the overall typing experience you wish to achieve.
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