Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The V3 Piano Pro is renowned for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp, responsive tactile feedback. While the V3 Piano Pro is praised for its bouncy and clacky characteristics, the WS Onion is appreciated for its neutral sound profile and polished feel. Both switches offer a pleasing typing experience, but each has its own distinct qualities that may cater to different 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in top housing materials between the two switches results in a difference in sound profile, with the WS Onion offering a clearer and more pronounced sound compared to the V3 Piano Pro.
While the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a similar deep and full sound profile, the difference in top housing materials between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion brings about distinct characteristics in their sound profiles. The Nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties, while the Polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion results in a sharper and clearer sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the WS Onion makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, providing an aesthetic appeal that the V3 Piano Pro may not offer with its nylon top housing. Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches influences not only the sound but also the visual experience of using the switches.
In the case of switches where the top and bottom housings are different, such as the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. This division of housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the V3 Piano Pro offering a duller and rounder sound profile due to its nylon top and bottom housings, while the WS Onion provides a sharper and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Onion linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro is also lighter at 55 grams, whereas the WS Onion has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the V3 Piano Pro is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the WS Onion is more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences when it comes to typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Piano Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the V3 Piano Pro offering speed and the WS Onion offering a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, offering a sharp, snappy sound with a higher-pitched profile for an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Piano Pro leaning towards a more lively and percussive sound compared to the WS Onion's more neutral and subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, characterized by spring-like feedback and smooth, buttery key presses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch provides a buttery and polished typing sensation, emphasizing smooth and fluid keystrokes with reduced friction. Both switches deliver a pleasant typing experience, with the V3 Piano Pro focusing on a mix of bounciness and creaminess while the WS Onion prioritizes a seamless and uniform typing feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a lively and crisp sound with bouncy and creamy key presses, while the WS Onion offers a more neutral sound profile and a buttery, polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider these subjective qualities along with personal preferences and usage scenarios when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light force with a snappy and bouncy typing experience that produces a clacky or resonant sound, then the V3 Piano Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy force with a buttery smooth feel that offers a neutral sound profile, then the WS Onion switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing experience preferences, whether you prioritize a lively tactile feel or a smooth and uniform typing sensation. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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