Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are both top contenders. The Akko V3 Piano Pro boasts The Piano Pro switches, known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer a smooth, high-pitched feel ideal for those who prioritize RGB lighting customization. While the Akko V3 Piano Pro is revered for its bouncy and clacky feel, the WS Aurora Clear is known for its buttery and mild characteristics. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, it is evident that they offer distinct sound profiles. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer composition that enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials are effective in creating unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences based on the desired typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the contrast between the V3 Piano Pro's nylon and the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE is equally pronounced. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro offers a deep and full sound profile, similar to its top housing, due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. In comparison, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear introduces a bright sound signature that produces resonant clacks when typing. This difference in sound signature highlights how even the bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
In instances where the top and bottom housing materials differ, such as in the V3 Piano Pro and WS Aurora Clear switches, the qualities of each material are distinctively felt during typing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, reinforces the significance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to diverse preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in customizing the typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, the V3 Piano Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aurora Clear's 53 grams. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. The V3 Piano Pro is medium-light in terms of actuation and bottom out force, while the Aurora Clear is medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro, while those who prefer a firmer typing feel may opt for the Aurora Clear. It is important to consider weight when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing endurance and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. However, the V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for quick key presses. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy and resonant sound profile, giving off a crisp and sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch boasts a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, providing a different auditory sensation. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Piano Pro having a clacky and resonant sound compared to the high-pitched sound of the WS Aurora Clear.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and smooth keystrokes. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience, giving a seamless and gentle sensation when typing. Both switches have polished finishes that reduce friction and ensure smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the snappy and crisp sound of the V3 Piano Pro or the high-pitched and sharp sound of the WS Aurora Clear, both switches have unique qualities that cater to a variety of preferences. Additionally, the smooth and buttery feel of both switches, along with their polished finishes, ensures an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a similar level of quality and satisfaction for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth, high-pitched typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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