Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light 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 Light Tactile offer different experiences for users. The V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch that is best known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a smooth experience with a noticeable tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature. While the Piano Pro switch may appeal to those looking for a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the WS Light Tactile may be preferred by those who prefer a more stepped and easy-to-press feel. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that both keyboards use nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users of both keyboards will experience a similar tactile and auditory experience, with the nylon providing a consistent quality in sound production.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their choice of top housing material. The V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, while the WS Light Tactile boasts a polycarbonate top housing. While both materials have their advantages, nylon offers a softer and more absorbent quality, resulting in a deeper sound profile, while polycarbonate provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This contrast in top housing material highlights the nuanced differences in sound that users can expect from each keyboard, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of each keyboard. While both keyboards share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of nylon for the V3 Piano Pro's top housing and polycarbonate for the WS Light Tactile's top housing results in distinct sound profiles. Users seeking a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the V3 Piano Pro, while those looking for a sharper and crisper sound may be drawn to the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute significantly to the overall typing experience and sound quality of each keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch in terms of actuation and bottom out force, it is clear that the V3 Piano Pro is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, but the V3 Piano Pro offers a bit more resistance when bottoming out. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer slightly different experiences when typing or gaming, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a more responsive feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice, but if you prefer a more substantial key press, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch could be more suitable for you.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is best described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp, snappy sound profile with a higher pitch that enhances the auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments and user preferences. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can offer satisfying sound profiles, with the V3 Piano Pro leaning towards a more vibrant and crisp tone, while the WS Light Tactile delivers a balanced and versatile sound output.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a lively bounce, smooth and buttery sensation, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped and easy-to-press feel, with a mild tactile bump and minimal force required for activation, enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue. Both switches cater to different tactile preferences, with the V3 Piano Pro focusing on a luxurious and refined typing feel, while the WS Light Tactile prioritizes ease of use and effortless typing.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch provide distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the V3 Piano Pro offers a snappy sound signature and a luxurious typing feel, the WS Light Tactile delivers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and needs, both switches can enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying tactile feedback for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a snappy sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. The V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their lively, crisp quality with a smooth tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch may be more suitable for you. These switches offer a smooth actuation with a perceptible tactile bump and a gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and actuation force. Consider what type of typing experience you are looking for and choose the switch that best fits your needs.
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