Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Dracula offer unique and compelling options, particularly for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless, silky-smooth typing experience, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice—an ideal choice for those seeking a subdued yet engaging tactile engagement while typing. Its creamy feel makes it suitable for marathon typing sessions or gaming, where speed and smoothness are paramount. In contrast, the Akko Dracula takes a different approach, incorporating innovative POK material in its construction to deliver ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability, thanks to its unique extra stem hole that promotes improved airflow and smoothness. While both switches cater to users looking for a linear experience, the Aqua King (V3) emphasizes an almost effortless glide, while the Dracula focuses on durability and smoothness through innovative design. 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
46g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Dracula switches utilize different materials for their top housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles and performance characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound quality by producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to its resonance and clarity during key presses. Moreover, this translucency allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making the Aqua King particularly appealing to gamers and users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Akko Dracula’s top housing is made from POK material, known for its smoothness and durability. The slightly higher coefficient of friction, while providing a smooth typing experience, will yield a different sound profile compared to the more resonant polycarbonate, potentially resulting in a clackier sound due to the unique material properties of polyketone.
When examining the bottom housing, the difference in materials becomes even more pronounced between these two switches. The Aqua King (V3) uses a polycarbonate bottom housing that, similar to its top counterpart, continues to promote a crisp and clear sound profile. This consistency in material across both housing sections ensures that the typing experience will maintain a focused acoustic characteristic that is characteristic of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Akko Dracula employs a nylon bottom housing, which emphatically contrasts the properties of the polycarbonate. Nylon's sound-absorbing qualities lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded auditory experience when typing. The divergence in these materials means that users will notice a more dynamic range in sound characteristics when using the Akko switches, appealing to those who prefer a different auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch affects not only the sound profile but also the overall typing experience. For the Aqua King (V3), both the top and bottom housings share polycarbonate, promoting a unified sound experience that is bright, resonant, and well-suited for RGB lighting compatibility. Conversely, the dual-material design of the Akko Dracula, with POK on the top and nylon on the bottom, allows for a more varied auditory experience, integrating smoothness with a fuller sound profile. While both switches provide unique tactile experiences, those who seek a sharper sound with excellent lighting potential will lean toward the Aqua King (V3), whereas users aiming for a rich, textured typing experience may prefer the distinctive characteristics of the Akko Dracula's hybrid housing.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, positioning it in the medium range. In contrast, the Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it significantly easier to press. As a result, the Dracula switch caters to users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Aqua King provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger resistance. Therefore, if you are looking for a lighter experience, the Akko Dracula is the better option, while the Everglide Aqua King offers a heavier, more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dracula offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. For those seeking a more traditional typing experience with a deeper feel, the Aqua King (V3) is the preferable choice, providing a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, the Akko Dracula caters to gamers or users who favor a quicker response time with its shorter 3.8 mm travel, allowing for rapid key presses without feeling overly abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: choose the Aqua King for a more tactile experience or the Dracula for improved responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized by a subdued profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While it's not entirely silent, this switch offers a more subtle sound signature than many typical switches, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise level is a concern. Unfortunately, there is no specific sound information available for the Akko Dracula linear switch, leaving its acoustic profile a mystery for now.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) delivers a highly refined typing experience that can be described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. This switch facilitates a smooth, buttery typing sensation, akin to gliding effortlessly across a polished surface. The design minimizes resistance, creating an incredibly inviting tactile environment for the fingers. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the Akko Dracula switch are currently unknown, which suggests that its tactile qualities may differ significantly, especially if it does not incorporate similar enhancements for smoothness.
In summary, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is well-known for its ultra-smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch remains an enigma in terms of both sound and feel. If you are seeking a switch with known qualities, the Aqua King (V3) promises a refined, subtle auditory experience and an exceedingly smooth tactile sensation. However, without further details on the Akko Dracula, its appeal remains uncertain. If the Dracula shares similar premium materials or construction methods, you could potentially enjoy comparable results, but further information would be needed to draw a definitive conclusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Dracula linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and expectations. If you favor a typing experience that is notably smooth, creamy, and frictionless, the Aqua King (V3) is your best option. Its higher actuation force of 62 grams provides a more tactile feedback, making it ideal for individuals who appreciate a slight resistance while typing, which can enhance your overall control. This switch also produces a subdued sound, making it suitable for quieter environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an actuation force of only 45 grams, the Akko Dracula switch is worth considering. It not only offers ultra-smooth typing with its innovative POK material and enhanced durability but also emphasizes ease of use, making it best for fast-paced typing or gaming. The additional airflow design helps maintain smoothness during rapid key presses, appealing to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Therefore, weigh your typing style and needs carefully; whether you lean towards a more controlled experience with the Aqua King (V3) or the nimble ease of the Akko Dracula will guide you to the perfect choice for your keyboard.
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