Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a unique typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature, as well as a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches feature a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization, along with a lightly lubed POM stem for minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. While the Crystal Pro switch is categorized as bouncy, chirpy, polished, the WS Aurora Clear is described as buttery, mild, high-pitched, polished. Each switch offers its own unique qualities, catering to different preferences in sound, feel, and customization options. 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
48g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall look of the keyboard. With similar top housings, both keyboards are likely to produce comparable sound profiles and visual effects when illuminated.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate while the WS Aurora Clear features UHWMPE. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. In contrast, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear offers a bright sound signature, delivering resonant clacks when typing. This difference in bottom housing material may result in varying tactile feedback and sound profiles between the two keyboards, influencing the overall typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two keyboards. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings ensures a unique typing experience for each keyboard, with the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offering distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Crystal Pro requires 60 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear needs 63.5 grams, making it heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium range, with the WS Aurora Clear leaning towards the medium-heavy side. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the WS Aurora Clear for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a moderate amount of travel distance for tactile feedback. Users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation force when using either of these switches. The identical travel distance of 3.8 mm ensures that both switches provide a similar level of responsiveness and keypress depth, making them suitable options for those who prefer a precise and controlled typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro offers a chirpy experience with a unique squeak, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear provides a high-pitched sound profile that is sharp and crisp. Both switches offer distinctive sound qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a chirpy and bright sound or a high-pitched and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro provides a bouncy and polished typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offers a buttery and mild typing sensation, providing a seamless and gentle typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Crystal Pro emphasizing bounce and polish while the WS Aurora Clear focusing on buttery smoothness.
Ultimately, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a chirpy, bouncy switch or a high-pitched, buttery switch, both options provide a smooth typing experience with their respective characteristics. Depending on your preferred typing sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth feel, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound with maximum RGB lighting customization and a buttery smooth keystroke, the WS Aurora Clear could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing. So, choose wisely based on what characteristics appeal most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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