Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile and linear options. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out as a tactile switch, delivering a satisfying bump with each keystroke, which many users appreciate for its feedback and higher-pitched sound profile. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, often described as "bouncy" and "snappy." On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offers a unique take on the linear switch by incorporating ball bearings to minimize friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke. With a medium-high pitch sound, the WS Pearl is perfect for users who prioritize seamless, quiet typing without tactile interruption. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Lavender Purple Pro for those who thrive on tactile feedback and the WS Pearl for users seeking fluidity and smoothness in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both feature distinct materials in their top housings, which significantly influence the overall sound profile and typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, more higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the material's rigidity. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for nylon, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in materials means that while the WS Pearl's nylon housing dampens sound and lends a rounder tone to the keystrokes, the V3's polycarbonate housing tends to enhance clarity and brightness, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback.
However, both keyboard switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which serve a crucial role in the overall sound profiles and tactile feel during use. In this regard, both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, as nylon's softer characteristics absorb sound, adding warmth to the auditory experience. The consistency in bottom housing material means that both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the WS Pearl provide similar outcomes in terms of the sound quality produced upon keypress completion. Thus, while the top housings stand in stark contrast and create different sound signatures, the shared nylon base contributes significantly to a resonant and enjoyable typing experience overall.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the different top housing materials paired with their identical nylon bottoms illustrate how varying characteristics can affect performance while still allowing for some similarities in outcome. Users can expect the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro to offer a crispness attributable to its polycarbonate top, enhancing the release sound, while the WS Pearl will provide a warmer, mellower response due to the nylon's acoustic properties. The layering of materials essentially splits the auditory experience, allowing enthusiasts to choose between a focus on clarity and brightness or depth and warmth, proving that even contrasting materials can coexist harmoniously to create distinct yet rewarding typing experiences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences for typing and gaming experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light, while the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the WS Pearl is generally easier to press initially, offering a lighter feel when typing, which can be advantageous for long periods of use. In contrast, the Akko switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a firmer response. Overall, the WS Pearl is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a heavier feel post-actuation. Therefore, users seeking sustained typing comfort may lean towards the WS Pearl, whereas those preferring more resistance might favor the Akko switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more substantial depth with each key press, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, if you favor a quicker response and a more immediate feel, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance may be more suitable. This difference in travel distance reflects varied preferences; while gamers often gravitate toward the swift response of shorter distances, others may appreciate the tactile satisfaction that comes with a longer distance. Therefore, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the longer switch, while the WS Pearl is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 V3 Lavender Purple Pro exhibits a higher-pitched sound profile that adds a distinctive auditory charm to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more engaging and lively. This higher pitch is complemented by the tactile bump that enhances feedback, creating a sound signature that feels purposeful. On the other hand, the WS Pearl produces a medium-high pitched sound, resonating with its unique ball-bearing mechanism that minimizes friction and contributes to a smooth auditory result. While both switches emphasize clarity in their sound profiles, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro leans towards a more pronounced sound due to its tactile nature, whereas the WS Pearl offers a subtle, smooth sound reflective of its linear characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its combination of prominent tactility and a lively response. The switch is characterized as "medium tactile," and users can expect a satisfying bouncy sensation that provides elastic feedback during typing. This liveliness is also enhanced by the snappy responsiveness, ensuring that each keystroke feels engaging. The polished finish further adds to the smoothness of the typing experience, reducing friction significantly. Conversely, the WS Pearl’s unique construction using ball-bearings results in a notably smooth keystroke without the tactile bump. The sensation is often described as surreal, providing an almost effortless feel during typing. While it lacks the tactile feedback of the V3 switch, the Pearl's smoothness is exceptional in its own right, aiming for a silky typing experience.
In conclusion, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the WS Pearl linear switch offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3's higher-pitched sound and bouncy, polished feel delivers an engaging and responsive typing environment, ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback. Conversely, the WS Pearl excels with its smooth keystrokes and subtle sound, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a frictionless typing experience. Depending on your taste in sound and feel, each switch presents compelling qualities, and selecting between them largely comes down to whether you prefer the tactile nuances of the Lavender Purple or the silky smoothness of the Pearl.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you gravitate toward a tactile feel and enjoy a typing experience that offers a delightful balance of responsiveness and refined feedback, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force and accented tactile bump make it perfect for both typing and gaming, delivering that snappy and bouncy sensation which keeps your fingers engaged. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth keystroke with minimal friction, the WS Pearl linear switch should be your go-to. Its unique ball-bearing design provides a more fluid motion, making it ideal for those who enjoy a softer sound profile and an effortless keypress, especially when typing for extended periods or in fast-paced gaming scenarios. By considering these characteristics and how they align with your personal preferences, you can make an informed decision on which switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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