Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of options like the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, stands out with its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it an engaging choice for those who appreciate a more interactive typing experience. Its features are often described as 'accented', 'bouncy', 'snappy', and 'polished', enhancing the overall sensation of each keystroke. In contrast, the WS POM+, a linear switch, offers a different appeal with its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature and buttery-smooth keystrokes, creating an effortless typing experience that can be particularly favored by gamers and typists seeking speed. While the V3 prioritizes tactile feedback and auditory stimulation, the WS POM+ excels in providing seamless keystrokes without the added resistance of a tactile bump. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When evaluating the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, notable differences emerge, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is vibrant and resonant. This makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for those who want to enhance the visibility of RGB lighting, as it allows for excellent illumination through the clear material. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials are engineered to affect key sound characteristics, their inherent properties create distinct auditory experiences.
The bottom housing of each switch also varies, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro sporting a nylon construction while the WS POM+ utilizes POM. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts with the relatively muted sound produced by the POM bottom housing. The nature of these materials means that the V3 will produce a deeper bottom-out sound while the WS POM+ retains a unique tonal quality but may not resonate as fully during keypresses. This interplay of materials refines the overall acoustic results a user might experience, reinforcing the idea that housing composition fundamentally influences the feel and sound of the switches.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Wuque Studio WS POM+ employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each deliver unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The differences in sound characteristics—from the crispness of polycarbonate to the deep resonance of nylon and the unique tonal qualities of POM—demonstrate how the combination of housing materials impacts the typing experience. Thus, users of either switch can anticipate distinctly different auditory outputs, rooted in the specific qualities of the materials used, although both options provide satisfying keypress experiences through their carefully selected properties.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch share identical specifications in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, with both switches requiring 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This means that users of either switch can expect similar performance, providing a balance of actuation feel and typing feedback. Since both switches are classified as medium-light, they are suitable for long typing marathons or extended gaming sessions, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch. Users who favor a more substantial typing experience, however, may find these switches on the lighter side compared to heavier options available in the market, but they will still enjoy a comfortable typing experience without the fatigue associated with heavier switches.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Lavender Purple Pro the longer option, allowing for a deeper press that some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile feel. In contrast, the WS POM+ with its shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and typists who prioritize quicker response times and a snappier feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor a more pronounced feedback with the Akko switch or the rapid actuation of the Wuque Studio variant.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 Lavender Purple Pro switches present a high-pitched tone that is both bright and pleasant, contributing to an engaging auditory experience while typing. Their tonal qualities are enhanced by the tactile bump that gives feedback with each keystroke, making the sound part of the overall inclination to type. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches are characterized by a deeper and more satisfying "thock" sound signature, providing a richer auditory feedback. This noticeable difference in sound profile between the two switches offers users varied experiences depending on their preferences for auditory feedback, with the Lavender Purple Pro being more piercing and the WS POM+ providing a full-bodied resonance.
When discussing feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches excel with their medium tactile feedback, described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. The tactile bump is prominent yet not overwhelming, allowing for a lively and responsive typing experience that feels refined due to its polished nature. Users can expect a certain degree of elasticity with every key press, offering that enjoyable bounce. Unfortunately, the specifics of the feel of the WS POM+ are not mentioned, which leaves a gap in directly comparing the tactile sensations offered by both switches, making it difficult to assess their respective typing experiences fully.
In summary, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches cater to different auditory preferences, with the former offering a high-pitched sound and the latter providing a deep thock. The tactile feel of the Lavender Purple Pro is richly detailed, combining medium tactility with a snappy and polished experience, while the WS POM+ lacks specific descriptions for tactile feedback. Therefore, users can choose based on their sound preference, but they may want to explore the tactile feel of the WS POM+ further to make a fully informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, the decision between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience characterized by a delightful tactile bump, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a lively feedback sensation, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force, coupled with accented and bouncy characteristics, provides a satisfying and snappy feel that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear action with a deep "thock" sound signature, the WS POM+ may be more to your liking. This switch offers a buttery-smooth keystroke that is ideal for rapid typing or gaming, making it a great option for those who prioritize glide over tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider the kind of experience you want—whether it's the bouncing, tactile joy of the Lavender Purple Pro or the smooth, thocky experience provided by the WS POM+—and choose the switch that aligns best with your keyboard usage.
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