Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro offers a unique linear switch experience with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bouncy and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile presents a tactile switch option that maintains smoothness while delivering a snappy and perceptible bump, all with a neutral sound signature. The WS Light Tactile switch is easy to press and provides a stepped typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it's clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to the clear and resonant sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature.
The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro ensures a consistent and distinct sound profile throughout the keyboard. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making each keystroke sharp and precise. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique sound experience. The crispness from the polycarbonate top housing is complemented by the deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more rounded sound.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both keyboards offer the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing, such as a sharper and crisper sound, while their bottom housing materials provide distinct qualities. Whether you prefer the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate throughout, as seen in the V3 Crystal Pro, or enjoy the combination of sharpness and depth created by polycarbonate and nylon, like in the WS Light Tactile, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences that cater to different sound preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro has a higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. The V3 Crystal Pro also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams. This means that the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the WS Light Tactile offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a heavier or lighter force for their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch with a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances but cater to different preferences. Gamers may prefer the V3 Crystal Pro for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while others may find the WS Light Tactile more satisfying due to its slightly deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 linear switch is known for its chirpy sound, which adds a unique acoustic character to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Crystal Pro offering a bright and lively sound, while the WS Light Tactile maintains a more subtle and understated tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is noted for its bouncy and polished feel, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped feel with easy-to-press keys, giving users a more controlled and responsive typing sensation. These differences in feel cater to different typing preferences, with the Crystal Pro offering a lively and refined typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile provides a mild tactile feedback with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Crystal Pro excels in providing a chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, while the WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound profile and stepped, easy-to-press keys. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more lively and polished typing experience or a subdued and controlled typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a snappy tactile bump for a more responsive typing experience, the WS Light Tactile would be a better fit. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you value sound or feel more in your mechanical keyboard switches. Choose the switch that aligns with your personal typing preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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