Sarokeys BCP vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko Dracula both stand out, yet they cater to different preferences in tactile experience and performance. The Sarokeys BCP, or Black Cherry Pie, is acclaimed for its unique clacky auditory charm and creamy, bouncy feel. This switch eliminates the hassle of disassembly by utilizing custom molds, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable typing experience punctuated by its distinctively poppy sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula excels in providing ultra-smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative POK material and added stem hole, which contributes to enhanced airflow and durability. While the BCP may appeal to those who appreciate tactile feedback and sound in their typing, the Dracula is perfect for users seeking longevity and seamless performance. 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
51g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko Dracula switches present a fascinating juxtaposition in both functionality and auditory experience. The BCP utilizes a nylon top housing which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a typing experience that many enthusiasts seek for a quieter and more subdued overall auditory feedback. Conversely, the Akko Dracula employs a POK top housing, made from polyketone, which is recognized for its impressive smoothness and durability. While the sound profile from POK tends to be more clacky due to its frictional properties, the material's robustness offers a markedly different type of tactile feedback during usage.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko Dracula feature nylon materials. This similarity means that the lower section of each switch contributes similarly to the overall sound experience, maintaining that deeper and fuller auditory feedback associated with nylon. As both housing designs deliver soft plastic properties, the bottom housing of both switches has a pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring that users experience that characteristic subdued noise associated with nylon. This alignment in materials suggests that regardless of the differences in the upper housings, both switches manage to offer a cohesive acoustic experience from the base, grounding the overall sound profile across both models.
In combining the strengths of both housing materials, users can expect a unique blend of characteristics with each switch. The BCP's nylon tops provide a sound dampening effect that enhances typing comfort and a quieter ambiance, while the Dracula's POK tops offer a distinctive clack that some users prefer for feedback. This separation of top and bottom housing materials illustrates how sound quality is influenced by the interaction between components. For users who prioritize a smooth and durable switch coupled with a clackier auditory response, the similarities and differences in material composition yield avenues for personalized preferences, ensuring that both switches are capable of delivering satisfactory results depending on individual typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The BCP switch features an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Dracula switch is lighter, with a notably lower actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, the BCP offers a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback, while the lighter Dracula switch facilitates prolonged use without fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, those who enjoy a heavier push may gravitate towards the BCP, whereas those seeking a lighter feel will find the Akko Dracula more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, it is clear that the BCP offers a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Dracula has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the BCP might be the more appealing choice due to its shorter travel, which allows for quicker actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Dracula could provide a more fulfilling typing experience for users who enjoy a deeper press and the tactile feedback that accompanies it. Thus, the BCP is better suited for gamers seeking rapid response times, while the Dracula may cater to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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
The sound profile of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is distinctly characterized by its clacky auditory appeal, producing a sharp and snappy sound that many typists find satisfying. This characteristic gives the keyboard a lively and engaging acoustic quality, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch does not have a defined sound profile specified in the provided information, but it’s important to note that the overall sound experience will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps. If you prefer a quiet environment, the Dracula might be a better choice, but without specific sound information, it’s hard to draw a direct comparison.
When it comes to feel, the BCP switch shines with its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bouncy nature of the switch provides a delightful spring-like feedback, allowing for a lively typing experience where each key has a noticeable rebound, creating an engaging interaction with the keyboard. The creamy texture offers a silky and smooth feel, reminiscent of gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys, which most users find exceptionally pleasant for longer typing sessions. The feel of the Akko Dracula switch, however, is not explicitly detailed, so while it might also promote a smooth typing experience due to its POK material and design, exact comparisons cannot be made without additional information.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound and a unique combination of bouncy and creamy tactile feedback, providing a satisfying experience for those who enjoy auditory and tactile rewards during typing. The Akko Dracula switch appears to prioritize ultra-smoothness and durability with its innovative materials and construction, but without specific descriptors related to its sound and feel, it remains a less defined experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and while the BCP provides a rich auditory and tactile experience, the Dracula may offer a more seamless typing journey depending on the user’s priorities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko Dracula linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for tactile response and auditory feedback. If you enjoy a slightly firmer feel coupled with a unique auditory experience, the BCPs with their 57-gram bottom-out force might be more your style. Their creamy, bouncy feel and clacky sound profile make them an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback and a lively typing environment, particularly for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an ultra-smooth keypress experience, the Akko Dracula switch, featuring a lower 45-gram bottom-out force, would likely suit you better. Its design promotes effortless typing and can be advantageous for long writing sessions or when speed is of the essence during gaming. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and ambient requirements: choose the BCP for a fun, engaging experience or the Dracula for smooth, lightweight efficiency.
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