Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders in this realm are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback that many typists crave, paired with a distinctive loud, bassier sound signature that adds character to each keystroke. Conversely, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction, allowing for an incredibly smooth keystroke experience. This switch features a medium-high pitched sound signature, appealing to those who prefer quieter operation while still enjoying the fluidity of linear feedback. Choosing the right switch boils down to personal preference: if you appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience, the Creamy Purple Pro might be your best bet. On the other hand, if a smooth, frictionless typing experience is what you seek, the WS Pearl could be the ideal choice. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl exhibit distinct material choices for their top housings, leading to differences in sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it especially effective for setups with RGB lighting due to its ability to allow light to pass through. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more rounded typing experience. The variance in materials between the two switches highlights how different housing compositions influence auditory characteristics during use.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a convergence in their sound profiles at this level. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, it provides a deep and full auditory experience, regardless of the differences observed in their top housings. The nylon bottom in both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the WS Pearl ensures that when users bottom out their keys, they will experience a similar, duller, and more resonant sound. Therefore, even if the switches diverge in their top housing compositions, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing harmonizes their sound profiles, making the typing experience more consistent in this regard.
In terms of overall performance, the differences in the top housings of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl may lead to varied outcomes when typing or gaming. While the V3’s polycarbonate top will accentuate brightness and provide a clear auditory response, the WS Pearl will offer a more subdued and cohesive sound profile thanks to its nylon housing. Users looking for a crisper response might gravitate towards the Akko model, while those preferring a deeper audio experience alongside the plush feel of the WS Pearl will find it appealing. Ultimately, these contrasts and similarities illustrate how housing materials can create unique tactile and auditory experiences while also emphasizing the profound influence of bottom housing’s material consistency in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we see both offer the same actuation force of 30 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger keystrokes. However, their bottom-out forces differ, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro requiring 50 grams to reach the bottom and the WS Pearl requiring a heavier 58 grams. This means that while both switches enable quick actuation with minimal effort, the Akko switch provides a lighter overall experience during extended use, accommodating those who may prefer a lighter feel for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the slightly higher bottom-out force of the WS Pearl may appeal to users who favor a more substantial and feedback-driven typing experience. In summary, if you favor a lighter typing experience with less strain, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while the WS Pearl offers a firmer feel for those who enjoy a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the WS Pearl has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, offering more depth. This 0.5 mm difference may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. Gamers and those who prefer responsiveness may gravitate towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for its shorter travel, allowing for quicker keystrokes. Conversely, users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and deeper travel might opt for the WS Pearl, benefiting from its greater distance. Overall, these two switches present different experiences based on individual typing preferences, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro being the shorter and more responsive choice and the WS Pearl providing a more traditional and deeper travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch delivers a loud and robust acoustic experience with a distinctly bassy pitch, making it quite pronounced during typing. The sound produced by this switch adds to the tactile feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who enjoy auditory confirmation of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch features a medium-high pitched sound signature that is notably more subdued. The sound produced by the WS Pearl may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience that still maintains a unique character, likely influenced by its distinctive construction using ball-bearings.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a robust tactile bump that provides a clear indication of actuation, making it satisfying for users who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing. This tactile response can make typing feel more engaging and precise. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch offers a remarkably smooth keystroke experience due to its ball-bearing mechanism, which drastically reduces friction. This results in a surreal, almost luxurious sensation while typing, making it ideal for users who prioritize a fluid, uninterrupted keypress without significant tactile feedback.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is great for those who enjoy pronounced tactile feedback and a loud sound profile, while the WS Pearl is more suitable for users seeking a smooth, quieter typing experience with less tactile sensation. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and the tactile experience desired during typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying resistance and a bass-heavy sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better fit for you, especially if you appreciate a lighter touch at 50 grams bottom-out force. This switch is ideal for typists and gamers alike who want to feel each keystroke distinctly and revel in a louder, more engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, if you're someone who values a smooth and seamless keypress alongside a slightly heavier resistance at 58 grams, the WS Pearl is an excellent choice. The innovative ball-bearing design significantly enhances the smoothness of your strokes, making it particularly appealing if you prefer a more linear feel with less tactile feedback, complemented by a medium-high pitched sound that can feel sophisticated and refined. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and acoustic preferences, ensuring you enjoy every keystroke on your mechanical keyboard.
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