Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Red offer two distinct experiences for users. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that stands out for its budget-friendly price tag and unique poppy and clacky sound profile. With a smooth tactile sensation and lively feedback, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red is a linear switch that boasts a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a bouncy and responsive typing feel. While it offers a heavier actuation force, resulting in a satisfyingly weighty keystroke, it still maintains a classic sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Red, one noticeable difference lies in their choice of materials for the housing. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the WS Red opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their unique qualities, the polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a crisper and more resonant sound, while the nylon of the WS Red provides a rounder and duller tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both keyboards continue their trend of using different materials. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which complements its polycarbonate top housing by offering a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. Similarly, the WS Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, echoing its nylon top housing's ability to provide a rich and robust sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. While the bottom housing may not be as immediately noticeable as the top housing in terms of sound, it still plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In instances where the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the key. Pressing down on the switch will primarily showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing the key will emphasize the qualities of the top housing, influencing the sound produced when the key is lifted. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both keyboards ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience through the utilization of their chosen materials to create unique and pleasing sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a comparatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel. In contrast, the WS Red features an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Wuque Studio WS Red for a stronger typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of resistance that cater to diverse preferences, ultimately allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3mm, while the WS Red has a longer travel distance of 3.8mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the WS Red with its longer travel distance may appeal more to those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press. In essence, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red offers a familiar sound signature with a heavier actuation force that adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. When comparing the two, the Cream Blue Pro may offer a more lively and audible feedback, while the WS Red provides a more substantial and weighty sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as featuring accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile switches that offer a medium level of tactility with a smooth and refined finish. Meanwhile, the specific feel descriptors for the WS Red switch are unknown. This suggests that the Cream Blue Pro may provide a more versatile and tactile typing experience with a mix of different feedback sensations, whereas the WS Red likely focuses more on a responsive and robust typing feel.
Taking all aspects into consideration, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in its distinct sound profile and versatile tactile feel, the WS Red prioritizes a solid and satisfying typing experience with a heavier actuation force. Both switches provide quality options within their respective categories, ensuring that users can achieve a tailored typing experience based on their individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches offer reliable performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force that provides a satisfying and substantial feel, the WS Red linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing feel and sound characteristics that align with your preferences.
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