Dareu Aqua vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two intriguing options are the Dareu Aqua and the Akko Dracula, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Dareu Aqua is particularly appealing for users who prefer a lighter touch, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 37 grams. Its unique sound profile, characterized as chirpy and clacky, delivers a distinctive tactile experience that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch boasts innovative construction using POK material for enhanced durability and ultra-smooth typing, thanks to its extra stem hole designed for improved airflow. While the Aqua captures the essence of lightness and auditory feedback, the Dracula offers a luxurious feel combined with resilience. Each switch caters to different typing styles and preferences, making it essential to consider what attributes matter most to you. 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
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Akko Dracula utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound characteristics in their performance. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This high-pitched quality is particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is incorporated, as the material allows light to shine clearly through. In contrast, the Dracula employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. The smooth texture of POK minimizes friction, contributing to a clackier, yet controlled sound. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a satisfying auditory experience, their choice of top housing leads to different acoustic signatures that can influence typing tactile feedback.
Both the Dareu Aqua and Akko Dracula utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a layer of uniformity in their sound profiles. Nylon, being a softer plastic, offers a fuller, deeper sound experience by absorbing vibrations more effectively than stiffer materials. This shared choice for the bottom housing means that both switches provide a rounder and more muted base sound when bottoming out, adding a satisfying depth to the typing experience. Consequently, while the top housing materials differentiate the two switches, their identical nylon bottom housing ensures that typing feedback remains smooth and plush, reinforcing an enjoyable keypress regardless of the top housing's distinct characteristics.
In summary, the combination of different top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom housing means that both the Dareu Aqua and Akko Dracula switches deliver unique yet comparable auditory qualities. The Aqua's polycarbonate top contributes to a brighter, more resonant sound, ideal for enhanced RGB aesthetics, while the Dracula's POK material offers a smoother, clackier experience. However, the presence of nylon in both switches guarantees a fuller sound overall, particularly during keypress bottoming. Ultimately, users will appreciate the nuances of each switch choice, but they will enjoy similar deep and rich sound profiles, especially during bottoming out, thanks to their shared nylon component.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Aqua switch requires an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Dracula requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making the Dracula the lighter option between the two. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Dracula features a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a heavier option overall in terms of bottoming out. This means that while both switches have relatively low actuation forces, the Dracula switch's bottom out force reflects a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Overall, those seeking a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience during extended use may lean towards the Aqua, while those desiring a stronger push feel might favor the Dracula due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the differences are quite noticeable. The Aqua boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and catering to those who appreciate a more substantial, deeper feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dracula has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Aqua is better suited for those who prefer a hearty depth in their key presses, whereas the Dracula offers a slightly more responsive feel with its shorter distance. Thus, if you value a more pronounced keystroke, you'll find the Aqua to be the better choice, while the Dracula may be preferable for speedy gaming sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a distinctive acoustic signature characterized by its chirpy and clacky qualities. The chirpy aspect introduces a slight squeak, giving an interesting tonal layer to the overall typing experience, while the clacky nature ensures that each keystroke produces a crisp, percussive sound, making it feel engaging for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch is unknown, so while it may not have the same defined chirp or clap, the acoustic qualities could vary based on additional factors like keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is noted for its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, making it remarkably easy to press. This light touch provides a feathery typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue during extended use, whether for gaming or daily typing tasks. Its responsive nature promotes effortless key presses, enhancing overall comfort. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Dracula switch are not specified, leaving an unknown factor that could impact the comparative typing experience, but it’s plausible that its unique construction with POK material may also offer a smooth feel.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is recognized for its lightweight actuation and lively sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize ease of use and auditory engagement. Although the Akko Dracula switch’s acoustic and tactile qualities are not detailed, it is suggested that its innovative design may lend itself to a smooth typing experience, albeit with an uncertain feel. Users who appreciate the benefits of lightweight switches may find satisfaction in either option, but the Aqua's distinct sound could provide a more vibrant overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a very light touch and enjoy a unique auditory experience characterized by chirpy and clacky sounds, the Aqua switch is likely your best bet. Its 37g actuation force and feathery feel make it perfect for those who engage in extensive typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue and allows for quick, effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines durability with a smooth typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch is the way to go, thanks to its innovative POK material and the extra stem hole for improved airflow and performance. The 45g bottom out force also makes it a solid choice for users who prefer a slightly more tactile feedback without compromising on smoothness. By weighing these factors based on your preferences, you'll be able to choose the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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