Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer distinct experiences for users. The V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, providing an easy-to-press, creamy feel with a feathery touch and high-pitched sound. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a satisfying "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and invigorating. While the Akko switch focuses on light actuation force and shortened travel distance for speedy keystrokes, the Wuque Studio switch prioritizes a profound tactile response and a bouncy 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on the keys.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate housing while the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, nylon tends to create a deeper and fuller sound. Therefore, the V3 Silver Pro may offer a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the WS Heavy Tactile may provide a more muffled and rounded typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing may appeal to those looking for a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing is ideal for those seeking a deeper and fuller typing experience. Both switches, however, benefit from the use of nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes to a more consistent and comfortable typing feel overall.
Weight
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Some users may find the V3 Silver Pro more comfortable for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the WS Heavy Tactile for a more satisfying keystroke. Both switches offer different levels of force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent years. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress might find the longer travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, providing a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound that is vibrant and percussive. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, with the V3 Silver Pro offering a more elevated tone and the WS Heavy Tactile delivering a more resonant and immersive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized by its easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities contribute to reduced finger fatigue, effortless keystrokes, and a smooth overall feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a lively, responsive, and distinct typing sensation. The decision between the two switches would depend on the desired level of tactility and feedback during typing.
Considering the subjective qualities of both switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can choose between the higher-pitched and easy-to-press V3 Silver Pro switch, or the clacky and tactically accented Heavy Tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users will experience satisfying and engaging typing sessions with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences and usage needs. If you are a gamer looking for a light actuation force and smooth keystrokes with a bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize light actuation and speed in your typing or a more tactile and engaging typing experience.