Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ 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 POM+ represent two distinct yet enticing choices for enthusiasts aiming to enhance their typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro is celebrated for its lively and crisp sound signature, contributing to a snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke, while offering a smooth and pleasurable actuation that is sure to delight those who appreciate a bit of acoustic flair. This switch is often characterized by its bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky qualities, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ distinguishes itself with its deep, satisfying "thock" sound and buttery-smooth keystrokes—qualities that cater to those seeking a more subdued yet richly tactile experience. The POM+ switch emphasizes a feeling of stability and comfort, appealing to typists who prefer a less pronounced sound profile while still maintaining exceptional performance. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can suit different preferences, whether one favors a more vibrant and resonant typing experience or a dampened, luxurious 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, notable differences and similarities arise in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is a well-established material in the keyboard switch community. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a deeper and more rounded auditory experience when typing. This characteristic makes the V3 Piano Pro a solid choice for users seeking a more muted sound profile that still retains clarity in keypress feedback.
In contrast, the WS POM+ employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. POM is known for its unique sound properties, which are similarly directed towards producing a deeper sound, albeit with a slightly different timbre. While the POM housings provide a quieter and somewhat more muted feedback, they lend a different aesthetic and tactile feel, which keyboard enthusiasts often appreciate for its precision. Users of the WS POM+ can expect a distinctive aural experience that, while compatible in depth with the V3 Piano Pro, introduces its own characteristics through the use of a harder plastic than nylon.
Despite the differences in material, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ ultimately aim for a deeper sound profile. Because both the top and bottom housings play crucial roles in the overall sound dynamics of keyboard switches, users will notice that while the V3’s nylon delivers its sound in a more rounded manner, the WS POM+ offers an interesting variation in sound quality. The combined effects of these materials can yield similar auditory results depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, making either switch compelling options for different types of typists and gamers alike.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch exhibit identical specifications in both actuation force and bottom out force, each requiring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that users will experience a similar typing and gaming performance with both switches, ensuring that neither option offers a significant advantage over the other in terms of feel or responsiveness. With both switches categorized as medium-light, this characteristic makes them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as the lighter force can help reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will likely come down to other preferences, since their actuation and bottom out forces are equal.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the WS POM+ provides a deeper tactile experience, which some users may find more satisfying for activities that require deliberate feedback. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro, with its shorter travel distance, may cater better to gamers seeking faster response times, as a shorter travel distance generally allows for quicker actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is the more suitable choice, whereas those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the WS POM+.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 delivers a lively and crisp acoustic experience, characterized by its clacky and resonant qualities. This snappy sound signature offers a bright and percussive tone that can enhance the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel engaging and dynamic. The V3 Piano Pro's sound is clean and sharp, creating an immersive auditory environment that can be pleasing, especially in a customizable keyboard setup. On the other hand, the specific sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch remains unknown, so it’s challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, sound quality can also be influenced by components like the keyboard construction and keycap choice, meaning you might achieve a similar auditory effect across different switches.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Piano Pro offers an array of pleasant sensations during typing. Its bouncy character provides a springy rebound that adds a dynamic element to each keystroke, enhancing the typing rhythm. The switch is also described as creamy and silky, providing a buttery-smooth experience that minimizes friction and invites effortless keystrokes. Additionally, its polished nature ensures a refined finish, contributing to a sleek overall typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the WS POM+ switch remains unaddressed in the available information, making it difficult to assess how it compares in terms of tactile response and feedback.
Concluding, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch stands out for its snappy sound and pleasurable tactile feedback, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch lacks sufficient subjective details for a complete comparison. If you’re drawn to the lively auditory experience and the smooth, responsive feel of the V3 Piano Pro, it might be a compelling choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. The distinct sound and tactile sensations of the Piano Pro are likely to enhance your typing experience, while more information about the WS POM+ is needed to fully weigh its merits. Consequently, if you gravitate towards engaging auditory and tactile feedback, you might find yourself more inclined towards the V3 Piano Pro until you uncover further insights into the WS POM+.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a typing experience that offers a lively auditory feedback with a crisp, clacky sound, the V3 Piano Pro is an excellent choice. Its bouncy and silky characteristics make it engaging for both typing and gaming, providing you with an energetic feel that enhances your interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, satisfying "thock" sound combined with a buttery-smooth keystroke, the WS POM+ switch is where you'll want to lean. The POM material not only offers a premium feel but also ensures a quieter typing experience while still delivering that sought-after linear sensation. Therefore, if your priority is a more immersive and richly tactile typing experience with reduced noise, the WS POM+ will serve you well. In the end, it all comes down to whether you value an expressive auditory experience or a smooth, muted keystroke when making your decision.
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