Hi. I am calculating the relationships between ATK SPD, the ATK SPD %, and the ATK SPD cap. I would like to share what I have found and to make some comments on the ATK SPD system. The main idea of this post is to suggest a small buff on (some) Ranged DPS Classes by granting them the ability to break the ATK SPD cap.
Conversions between the value, percentage, and actual ATK speed
The value and the percentage can be interconverted through: ATK SPD (in %) = Value / (0.4*Lv +1)
So, if a Lv. 120 player has 1111 ATK SPD, they will have like 1111 / (0.4*120 +1 ) = 22.67% ATK SPD (in %)
And the actual increased ATK speed is not 22.67%, but it varies with respect to weapons.
For an axe with 2.0 attacking time, 22.67% ATK SPD is actually granting you 40.5% actual ATK SPD.
ATK speed cap and ways for increasing ATK speed
The attack speed cap is 1.5 hit/sec. No matter how hard you build you attack speed, you can only do 1.5 hit for a second.
Apart from adding ATK SPD value from equipment, players can increase their ATK speed by putting on +20% ATK SPD pets, +15% ATK SPD certificate, or by skills (e.g. Asura's Rage). Those ways are all directly granting players ATK SPD (in %).
The problem is: no matter it is an axe (2.0 attacking time) or a dagger (1.4), it only takes you about 49%~73% ATK SPD (in%) to gain that 1.5 ATK SPD cap. They can be build up so easily compared to CRIT rate or EVA, and there is no way that you can break the cap.
Suggestions
I think the Ranged DPS class (except Rifleteer) is a bit weak compared to tank DPS and melee DPS classes. So I am thinking of, like, adding skills/KPs/class passive to grant those classes ways to break the 1.5 hit/s cap. So, after the buff, other already-existing DPS classes can have good P-ATK and DMG dealt increase while Ranged DPS can have high ATK SPD to deal damage. I hope Ranged DPS classes will have a better pick rate after this buff. Thank you.