Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro is known for its linear switch design, featuring a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that delivers a profound and immersive typing experience with a 70g bump and captivating sound, along with engaging resistance. While the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, the WS Heavy Tactile is categorized as accented, bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, invigorating, resonant, sharp, and snappy. Each switch offers its own set of strengths and characteristics that appeal to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches, both keyboards utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing. This means that both keyboards will produce a similar deep and full sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing on either keyboard.
Despite both keyboards using nylon for their housing materials, the V3 Piano Pro and WS Heavy Tactile may differ slightly in the quality of sound produced due to manufacturing processes or design differences. The V3 Piano Pro may have a slightly softer or more cushioned bottom-out sound due to the properties of its specific nylon material, while the WS Heavy Tactile may have a slightly different sound profile based on its unique housing design. These subtle differences may affect the typing experience for users who are more attuned to nuanced variations in sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will likely come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel. Both keyboards utilize nylon for their housing materials, promising a deep and full sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. Users may find that the slight differences in sound and feel between the two keyboards provide a unique typing experience, making it worth experimenting with both to see which best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile features the same actuation force of 45 grams but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to varying preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile switch. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the V3 Piano Pro offers a bit more depth in key travel. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as having a clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharp and percussive experience along with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch also offers a clacky sound with a high-pitched and resonant profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. The sound of both switches will provide a lively and engaging typing session, with the V3 Piano Pro delivering a snappy quality and the WS Heavy Tactile offering a captivating "thocky" sound from nylon housing.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile feedback, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, with a pronounced feedback intensity and a strong tactile bump. Both switches will offer a unique typing sensation, with the V3 Piano Pro providing a spring-like rebound and the WS Heavy Tactile delivering a firm actuation force and reactive feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch each bring their own set of characteristics to the table. The V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a snappy sound signature and a smooth tactile experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a profound tactile sensation and a captivating sound profile. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the V3 Piano Pro leaning towards a smoother and more polished feel, and the WS Heavy Tactile focusing on a more tactile and responsive feedback. Ultimately, whether you choose the V3 Piano Pro or the WS Heavy Tactile, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation for a lively and crisp typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a profound tactile experience, immersive resistance, and captivating "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing preferences.
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