Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green 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 Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Dracula offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch renowned for its clacky sound profile and sharp, resonant feel, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy an audible and responsive typing experience. Its high-pitched accentuation adds character to each keystroke, appealing especially to typists who thrive on tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko Dracula is a linear switch that emphasizes a smooth and seamless typing experience, incorporating innovative POK materials for enhanced durability and performance. With an extra stem hole designed for improved airflow and overall smoothness, the Dracula suits users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. Each switch brings unique characteristics that cater to diverse typing styles and preferences; 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
43g
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
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and Akko Dracula switches, we find notable differences in both the top and bottom housing components. The Bamboo Green utilizes polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) for its top housing, which delivers a neutral sound profile that is neither overly sharp nor completely dull. In contrast, the Akko Dracula employs a polyketone (POK) for its top housing, noted for its smoothness and durability. POK boasts a low coefficient of friction, making it one of the slickest materials available, contributing to a more refined tactile experience for users. This notable difference in sound and tactile feel may lead to varying results; however, both switches can still offer satisfying feedback and sound due to their high-quality manufacturing standards.
In terms of bottom housing, the Everglide Bamboo Green also opts for a PBT construction, which maintains the neutral sound profile established in the top housing. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula features a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a rounder auditory presentation. This combination of materials results in the Bamboo Green providing a consistent sound profile throughout, while the Dracula, with its mix of POK and nylon, achieves a distinct tonal character. Therefore, while the Bamboo Green might deliver a more uniform result, the Akko Dracula adds complexity in sound and feel due to the varied housing materials.
When evaluating the interaction of these materials during use, it's essential to recognize that the qualities of each housing material influence different aspects of the switch's performance. The PBT used in the Bamboo Green offers a cohesive experience, where pressing down on the switch may yield softer characteristics linked to its neutral sound profile. In contrast, the Akko Dracula's combination of POK and nylon creates a split performance; the initial press benefits from the smoother texture of POK, while the subsequent release may be colored by the fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches bring unique but high-quality experiences to typists and gamers, showcasing material selection as a fundamental aspect of their auditory and tactile engagement.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bamboo Green has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the lighter 35 grams of the Dracula, which makes it more suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is 62 grams, while the Dracula’s bottom out force is lighter at 45 grams. This variance means that users typing with the Bamboo Green may find a more resistive experience leading to potential fatigue less likely over extended use, while those using the Dracula can expect a quicker response and more effortless key presses, making it ideal for long sessions of typing or gaming. Overall, the Bamboo Green caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a heavier feel, while the Dracula is designed for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for fatigue-free usage.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Dracula linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the Bamboo Green as a more traditional option, providing a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula switch may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate faster key presses. For those who prefer a more tactile and immersive typing experience, the Bamboo Green's longer travel distance is the better choice, while the Dracula's minimal travel may feel more abrupt for some users. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you value the deeper feedback of a longer switch or the rapid actuation associated with a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Bamboo Green switch delivers a distinct high-pitched and resonant audio profile. Typing on these switches produces a clacky sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate for its sharpness and crisp character. This means that if you favor a more vibrant auditory experience while typing, the Bamboo Green can provide that engaging feedback. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch does not have specific sound characteristics detailed, but it is essential to note that sound can be influenced by additional factors, including the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while the Bamboo Green is noted for its clear acoustics, the Dracula's sound profile remains unknown, potentially placing it in a different auditory category altogether.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch shines with its accented and sharp tactile features. This switch strikes an excellent balance between substantial tactility and comfort, allowing for a prominent tactile bump that distinctly signals each keypress without being too overwhelming. Its sharp feedback intensity enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Dracula switch is not specifically described, leaving it unclear how it compares to the Bamboo Green's tactile feedback.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is celebrated for its high-pitched, clacky sound and its well-defined tactile feedback, making it a solid choice for typing enthusiasts who prefer auditory and tactile stimulation. Meanwhile, the Akko Dracula switch's sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, which may lead to a less predictable user experience. Those seeking the magical combination of sound and tactile feedback may find the Bamboo Green to be the more reliable choice at this time.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback, paired with a clacky, high-pitched sound that elevates your typing experience, the Bamboo Greens will serve you well. They excel in providing that satisfying tactile bump, making them ideal for typists who enjoy the feel of each keypress and want a more vibrant audio feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with less effort needed to actuate the keys, the Akko Dracula is the better choice. With its lighter bottom-out force and innovative material design focused on durability, the Dracula offers a seamless experience, perfect for those long hours of gaming or typing without the need for the pronounced tactile feedback. In essence, weigh your desire for tactile sensation against your need for smoothness, and choose accordingly to make your mechanical keyboard experience as enjoyable as possible.
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