Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Jade mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro is praised for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature, along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out with its use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a metallic and resonant sound profile, along with a creamy and smooth typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, it is evident that both switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Jade incorporates POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the V3 Crystal Pro offers a more resonant and clear sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, the WS Jade provides a unique and pleasing sound experience with POM material.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. In the case of the V3 Crystal Pro, the polycarbonate bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade contributes to the deeper sound profile upon keypress, while the POM top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This distribution of qualities highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in shaping the overall user experience.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and POM housing materials in mechanical switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. The V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate housings provide a crisp and resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a sharper typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade's POM housings offer a deeper and more muted sound profile, catering to individuals who enjoy a softer typing feel. While the differences in housing materials may result in varying sound profiles, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces are quite similar. The V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the WS Jade's 50 grams, but both have a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that both switches offer a medium level of resistance. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the preferred choice, as the lower actuation force can make typing for longer periods more comfortable. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and a stronger push feel may lean towards the WS Jade. Overall, both switches provide a balanced typing experience with the slight difference in actuation force allowing for a customized feel based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, catering to users who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of these switches. However, for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the V3 Crystal Pro may feel slightly more substantial with its longer travel distance. Overall, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches is relatively minimal, and both will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is known for its chirpy sound signature, providing a unique squeaky element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade offers a clacky and resonant sound profile, giving a sharp and bright tone with a hint of metallic resonance. Both switches offer distinct acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Crystal Pro being more chirpy and the WS Jade being more clacky and resonant.
In terms of feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is praised for its bouncy and polished typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth finish for a sleek typing feel. On the flip side, the WS Jade is described as silky and creamy, providing an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance when pressing keys. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Crystal Pro leans towards a bouncy and polished feel, while the WS Jade offers a silky and creamy touch to your keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches offer their own unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Pro stands out with its chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, while the WS Jade excels in its clacky, resonant sound profile and silky, creamy typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a brighter, more chirpy sound with a bouncy feel or a sharp, clacky sound with a silky, creamy touch, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and it is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one you prefer for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the sound and feel preferences that suit your typing style. If you prefer a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a metallic and resonant sound with a creamy and smooth feel, the WS Jade could be the switch that caters to your preferences. Both switches offer a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.