Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both offer unique features worth considering. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile. While the Crystal Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the WS Onion is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, we see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetics of the keyboards. However, while the V3 Crystal Pro also features polycarbonate for the bottom housing, the WS Onion opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches.
The choice of housing materials for the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion not only affects the sound profile but also the overall feel of the keyboard. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing of both keyboards creates a more resonant sound when keys are released, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. However, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion offers a different typing experience, with a softer and fuller sound that can be perceived when bottoming out keys. This difference in material for the bottom housing impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on the WS Onion compared to the V3 Crystal Pro.
Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a keyboard play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing of the WS Onion results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer the stiffer and resonate sound of polycarbonate or the softer and fuller sound of nylon, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch both offer a medium actuation force, making them suitable for a wide range of users. However, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro requires a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the WS Onion's unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro also requires a lighter force of 60 grams, while the WS Onion has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may prefer the WS Onion. Overall, both switches provide a balanced typing experience, with slight variations in weight that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Crystal Pro's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time, while some may find the WS Onion's slightly longer travel distance more satisfying for a more hearty typing experience. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 offers a chirpy and distinctive sound profile, giving a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings without being too loud or overpowering. Both switches offer different sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound during typing sessions.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is described as bouncy and polished, providing a lively and smooth typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offers a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation with smooth key travel. Both switches deliver a refined and satisfying typing feel, making them suitable for users who appreciate a high-quality tactile experience during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Crystal Pro switch provides a chirpy sound and bouncy typing feel, the WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more distinct sound or a smoother typing experience. Regardless of your decision, both switches will deliver a high-quality typing experience that is sure to impress newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a buttery smooth keystroke feel, crisp responsiveness, and a neutral sound profile, then the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
