Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, is highly regarded for its silent performance, making it an ideal option for quiet work environments like offices. With a medium-heavy weight, these switches deliver a substantial feel and satisfying typing feedback, characterized as 'silky,' 'muted,' and 'polished.' This makes the Aliaz a fantastic choice for users who appreciate tactile response without the clatter. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch, a linear option, prides itself on its innovative design featuring POK material, which not only enhances durability but also promotes ultra-smooth keystrokes. Its extra stem hole allows for improved airflow and smoothness, catering to those who favor a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps. Both switches have their unique strengths tailored for different preferences—whether you lean towards a quiet, tactile experience or a smooth, linear one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz switches utilize a polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housings, while the Akko Dracula switches feature a combination of POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, facilitates a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the auditory experience when typing. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for use with RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing and illuminated effect.
In contrast, the Akko Dracula's use of POK in the top housing sets it apart with its smoother interaction due to a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to other materials. POK’s exceptional durability and shock resistance result in a switch that can withstand rigorous use while maintaining a clacky and responsive feel. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller, more rounded sound profile, as nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound more than polycarbonate does. This combination creates a unique auditory signature that differs from the Aliaz switches, allowing for a more varied typing experience.
When considering the impact of these distinct materials, it's essential to recognize how each contributes to the overall performance of the switches. In the Aliaz, the consistency of polycarbonate in both housings results in a harmonized sound profile where clarity and resonance are prominent during both keypress and release. Conversely, the mixed housing materials in the Akko Dracula create a nuanced sound experience; the sharp impact of the POK top is balanced by the softer, warm tones of the nylon bottom. This differentiation allows users to choose based on their preference for sound and feel, illustrating how varied material choices can lead to diverse typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aliaz has a notably heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Dracula is much lighter, featuring an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Dracula switch ideal for users who prioritize comfort during lengthy typing sessions, as the lighter force demands less effort. Therefore, users seeking a milder touch and prolonged use should opt for the Akko Dracula, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke may favor the Gateron Aliaz for its heavier feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the Aliaz measures 4 mm, while the Dracula is slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Aliaz offers a deeper, more pronounced keypress, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Dracula may appeal to those who favor a quicker response time, making it potentially better suited for gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference: if you seek a more pronounced keypress, the Aliaz is the better option, whereas if you prefer a snappier feel, the Dracula would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is specifically designed for quiet environments, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. Its muted auditory profile allows for soft keystrokes that minimize disturbance, which is a significant factor for those who are conscious of noise levels. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Akko Dracula linear switch remain unknown, which means it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can also depend on the keyboard case and keycap materials used, potentially affecting how each switch sounds in practice.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch excels with its silky and polished tactile feedback, creating an exceptionally smooth typing experience that reduces resistance during key presses and releases. This offers the user a refined touch, enhancing the overall enjoyment and efficiency of typing. The smoothness is further complemented by its medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial tactile feedback. Conversely, the feel of the Akko Dracula switch is unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparison for the physical sensations experienced when typing. Given the focus on ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability through the unique POK material, one could expect a pleasant feel, yet specifics are currently unknown.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz switch stands out for its muted sound profile and smooth, polished feel, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. In contrast, while the Akko Dracula linear switch promises an ultra-smooth typing experience with enhanced durability, its sound and feel characteristics remain less clearly defined. Thus, if you're looking for a partner in quiet typing and a pleasing tactile sensation, the Aliaz is a proven performer, while the Dracula offers potential advantages that will need exploration to understand fully.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Akko Dracula linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you're working in a quiet office or shared space where noise is a concern, the Aliaz is an excellent choice; its muted sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback provide a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. Additionally, the Aliaz's heavier actuation force of 75 grams gives a solid and reassuring feel to each keystroke, which is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial response while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, more effortless typing experience and prefer a lighter key press, the Akko Dracula is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of just 45 grams and its innovative design utilizing POK material, it ensures a silky-smooth keystroke that enhances overall typing efficiency, making it suitable for both casual and fast-paced environments. In summary, your choice should be guided by whether you value quiet feedback and heft (Aliaz) or a lighter, more fluid action (Dracula) in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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