Huano Acacia vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Akko Dracula are two impressive linear options that cater to different preferences and priorities. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which collectively offer an exceptional typing experience right from the beginning. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch stands out with its use of POK material in both the top case and stem, resulting in ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability. Its innovative design features an extra stem hole that promotes improved airflow and smoothness during use. While the Acacia switch might appeal to those seeking a balanced and enjoyable typing feel, the Dracula switch captures the attention of users looking for enhanced smoothness and longevity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Akko Dracula both incorporate innovative materials in their switch housings that contribute to distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Acacia's top housing is composed of polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and clearer sound profile. This quality of polycarbonate allows for a sharper and more resonant sound when the switch is pressed, particularly suited for those who favor RGB lighting since its translucency enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Dracula utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While POK shares some superior attributes—such as strength and durability—it produces a smooth yet clacky sound profile instead of the crisp sound associated with polycarbonate. Therefore, both materials aim to enhance the user experience, but they do so in different ways, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and POK focusing on smoothness.
The bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, the classic choice for switch housing materials. Regardless of their differing top materials, the nylon components yield a similarly deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound. This results in a duller, rounder sound profile when typing on both the Huano Acacia and the Akko Dracula. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing indicates that both switches will provide a comfortable and familiar tactile experience, regardless of the auditory differences introduced by the top housing materials. It highlights how nylon can bridge the sound experience of both models and contribute to the overall ergonomics of each switch.
When considering the overall sound profile and typing characteristics of the Huano Acacia and the Akko Dracula, it becomes evident that the interplay between their respective top and bottom housing materials affects sound and feel in unique ways. While the Acacia leverages the crispness and clarity of polycarbonate for its top housing to create more pronounced auditory feedback upon release, the Dracula relies on POK’s durability for a smoother typing experience. Both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper sound signature and enhanced comfort. Ultimately, if a switch features a combination of these materials, the user will experience a nuanced balance between clarity and smoothness in sound, elevating the overall typing experience uniquely for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Dracula is lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that for users who favor a lighter touch, the Akko Dracula will offer a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Acacia's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding weight and feedback, with the Akko Dracula being the lighter option and the Huano Acacia providing a heavier tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dracula features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Acacia may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for a more rapid actuation. In contrast, the Akko Dracula, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more tactile and hearty typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing keys. Overall, if you value responsiveness and quick actions, the Acacia would be the better choice; however, if you prefer more depth in your keystrokes, the Dracula would likely suit your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Dracula has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dracula for $3.29.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch is recognized for its quiet operation, creating a subdued typing experience that’s ideal for office environments or shared spaces. The smooth keystrokes produce a gentle thock sound that is less intrusive, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a more discreet auditory profile. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula linear switch also features a whisper-quiet sound signature, courtesy of its innovative design with POK material. While both switches favor a quiet auditory experience, the Dracula’s unique composition may offer a slightly more pronounced thock, which can enhance the overall enjoyment of the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch stands out with its medium-light weight, making it easy to press without sacrificing control. The generous factory lubrication contributes to a silky and smooth action, resulting in minimal stem wobble, which can greatly enhance your typing precision and comfort. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch emphasizes ultra-smooth typing performance thanks to its POK material and an extra stem hole designed for improved airflow. This design not only enhances the tactile experience but also allows for a fluidity that can feel even more seamless than its competitors. Both switches deliver satisfying responses, but the Dracula may offer an edge in smoothness, especially for those who prioritize a lightweight feel.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and Akko Dracula linear switches excel in providing a pleasant typing experience. The Acacia, with its quiet yet soft thock sound and smooth, controlled feel, makes it well-suited for those who value understated performance. Meanwhile, the Dracula offers similar sound dampening characteristics while elevating the smoothness of keystrokes and overall tactile enjoyment with its advanced design. Given their similarities in sound profile and focus on sleek typing experiences, either switch would fulfill the desires of those seeking an enjoyable linear switch, though personal preference for nuanced feel and sound may ultimately guide the choice between the two.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a slightly heavier feel and seek a switch that offers a superior typing experience straight out of the box, the Acacia with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and minimal stem wobble will likely serve you well. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-lubricated switch that reduces tactile feedback fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with an effortless keystroke, the Akko Dracula, with its 45 grams of bottom out force and unique POK material, will provide you with an ultra-smooth experience that's optimized for quick, fluid typing. Its extra stem hole enhances airflow, which contributes to a quieter operation and might be the perfect fit for quieter environments. Therefore, consider your typing habits, the weight you prefer in a switch, and the specific typing feel you're looking for when making your choice between these two excellent switches.
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