Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, while maintaining a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque focus on reducing switch noise with ingeniously designed stem railings, offering a quiet typing experience without the use of silicone dampeners. While the V3 Piano Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the WS Silent Linear is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued'. Each switch has its own advantages and appeal, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that many users find satisfying. With both keyboards using the same material for their housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While both keyboards share the same nylon housing material, the distinction between the top and bottom housing can affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing qualities can lead to subtle differences in the overall typing experience between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. Users who pay attention to these nuances may find one keyboard more to their liking based on the balance of top and bottom housing qualities.
Overall, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear highlights a focus on providing a rich and satisfying sound profile for users. While the nuances in the top and bottom housing qualities can lead to slight variations in the typing experience, the use of nylon ensures that both keyboards deliver a deeper and fuller sound that many users appreciate. Whether typing on the V3 Piano Pro or the WS Silent Linear, users can expect a premium typing experience that showcases the benefits of nylon as a switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the V3 Piano Pro would be the more suitable choice. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the WS Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Both switches offer a moderate distance for tactile feedback and keypress registration, giving users a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of these linear switches is the same, providing a consistent typing feel for users who prefer a shorter travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Silent Linear 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp, snappy sound with a higher-pitched resonance for an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch provides a more neutral, muted, and subdued sound, with a quieter and softer sound compared to traditional switches. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the V3 Piano Pro being more lively and crisp, while the WS Silent Linear focuses on tranquility and precision.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery sensation, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth key travel. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch provides a mild typing experience, with gentle characteristics that make it approachable and suitable for most users. Both switches offer unique typing sensations, with the V3 Piano Pro focusing on a more dynamic and lively feel, while the WS Silent Linear aims for a balanced and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro provides a snappy and resonant sound with a bouncy and silky typing feel, while the WS Silent Linear offers a quiet and subdued sound with a mild and gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the liveliness of the V3 Piano Pro or the tranquility of the WS Silent Linear, knowing that both switches offer high-quality performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro may be the choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force and bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel provide a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if reducing switch noise while maintaining responsiveness is your priority, the WS Silent Linear could be the better fit. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a neutral, muted, or subdued sound profile, along with a mild typing experience, these switches offer tranquility and precision in a workplace setting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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