Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, with the Wuque Studio WS Red, a linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing keyboard enthusiasts with a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out for its 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force for a substantial typing feel. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the WS Red lacks specific categorization. These general pointers can help guide your choice based on your preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Red both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The nylon material is known for its softer properties and ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. The softer properties of nylon result in a sound that is less sharp and more rounded compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
In terms of aesthetics, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon top housing is a classic switch housing material that may not offer the same visual appeal as the translucent polycarbonate. While both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, the choice between the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the WS Red may ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Red with an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro at 55 grams is lighter than the WS Red at 67 grams, making it the heavier option between the two. The difference in force between the two switches results in a different typing experience - the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a medium-light touch, perfect for longer typing sessions, while the WS Red provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance your fingers will need to press down before actuation. This makes them ideal choices for users who prefer a standard travel distance for their mechanical keyboards. Overall, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the WS Red switches are equally matched in this aspect, providing a familiar and comfortable typing feel for users.
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 Red comes in at $3.50 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 is best known for its higher-pitched sound profile, offering a satisfying tactile bump during typing. On the other hand, the WS Red switches are characterized by a classic sound signature due to their material blend and a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke. Depending on the board and keycaps used, the sound produced by these switches may vary, but both offer a pleasant typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are described as featuring an accented tactile feel that is not overwhelming or subtle, providing a medium amount of tactility. With a bouncy and snappy feedback sensation, these switches offer a lively and responsive typing experience. On the contrary, the WS Red switches have a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and responsive typing feel, providing a substantial and satisfying keystroke. The specific feel of each switch can be influenced by factors such as keycap material and any additional lubrication applied.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switches excel in providing a delightful typing experience with their high-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, along with a combination of accented, bouncy, and snappy feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches offer a classic sound signature and a heavier actuation force combined with a bouncy and responsive typing feel. Depending on individual preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches can deliver excellent performance, and similar results can be achieved by selecting the appropriate board and keycap components. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force for a substantial typing feel, then the WS Red would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you seek.
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