I have an Akuma clone, and there is much to be improved, mainly the locking ring requiring two hands, about eight full turns, and it jumped threads once, when it was brand new. Aside from the lock, and the battery adjustments, it hits harder than my black copper and brass stingrays.
The black copper is close, and I haven't done a voltage drop test, but even though my stingrays are made better, I have barely touched them since I got my Akuma clone two weeks ago. That says something, as my locking rings on my stingrays are one finger, and if done right, one spin. Both my stingrays fire smooth and reliably, now, but the switch on the akuma is so much nicer. Very responsive and short throw, and fires pretty much anywhere you touch it. It comes with a spring, too, if you desire that. I haven't touched it.
The authentic Akumas released a new switch and locking ring, so I'd recommend either getting a v2 authentic Akuma, or waiting until a new batch of clones releases with the new switch. The switch can be bought for 42 bucks, and my clone is supposed to be 1:1, but I'm not risking the money, since it might not fit, and that would put me about halfway to the authentic, invested in a clone.
Again, the Akuma rocks, but has faults. If I had the coin I would buy an authentic v2 immediately, and that says something. I have 3 clones, and really want to save up for an authentic now.
The king III copper, and penny copper interest me as well. Seem recommended, and look gorgeous. Just wish they had magnets, but I know the king can be upgraded. Also, the copper Pegasus looks awesome, it's clone is on pre order. I would look at that, too. It's only supposed to have a .08 voltage drop according to Twisted420's review. That's nothing.