Gateron Beer vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switch can dramatically impact the typing experience, making it essential to consider the distinct characteristics of each option. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its translucent green casing, providing a lightweight feel that makes it effortless to press. Its stepped tactility allows for a nuanced typing experience, marked by a characteristic clacky sound that many users appreciate for its auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko Dracula, a linear switch, introduces innovative POK material in its construction, which results in ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability. This switch's design, featuring an extra stem hole for improved airflow, caters to those who prefer a quieter and smoother experience with less tactile feedback. While the Gateron Beer may be ideal for those seeking a more pronounced tactile sensation and engaging sound, the Akko Dracula appeals to users desiring seamlessness and stability in their keystrokes. 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
38g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Akko Dracula switches, one of the most notable differences lies in the top housing. The Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by its crisp and clear resonation. This choice in material is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the Akko Dracula features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is revered for its incredibly smooth tactile feel and superior durability. While it offers a distinctive sound profile that is clackier and smoother due to its lower coefficient of friction, the resulting sound may not be as bright as that produced by polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing, the differences become even more pronounced. The Gateron Beer also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, ensuring that the sound characteristics remain uniform across the switch. This stiffer material contributes to a clear and resonant sound that complements the top housing, thus reinforcing the overall sound signature of the switch. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula features nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts sharply with the crisper tones produced by polycarbonate. This divergence means that the overall auditory experience when utilizing the Dracula will be noticeably rounder and more subdued compared to the Beer.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Beer and Akko Dracula switches mean that users will experience different sound profiles and tactile feedback based on the combination of materials used. With the Beer featuring polycarbonate in both housings, users can expect a harmonious sound profile characterized by brightness and clarity. Conversely, the combination of POK and nylon in the Dracula creates a more complex sound signature that balances smoothness with durability, leading to a fuller auditory experience. While both switches deliver unique results due to their material choices, they highlight how the interplay of top and bottom housing materials can significantly influence keyboard sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, we can observe some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Dracula switch is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches are considered light, making them suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, but the Akko Dracula is the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out forces. Users who prefer a softer touch will likely enjoy the Dracula, while those who appreciate a slightly firmer feel may prefer the Gateron Beer. Ultimately, this differentiation in force can make a significant impact on typing experience, and your choice between the two should align with your personal preference for either a lighter or slightly heavier keypress.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko Dracula linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance means that if you're seeking a quicker response time for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Beer switch would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Dracula switch, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced keystroke experience, which some users prefer for a more tactile feel. Thus, for those who appreciate a deeper and more deliberate key press, the Dracula switch would be more suitable, while the Beer is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switches exhibit a distinctive clacky sound profile, characterized by a crisp and bright tone that resonates with typists who enjoy an audible feedback during their keystrokes. This sound can add an engaging auditory dimension to typing, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, information about the Akko Dracula linear switch's sound characteristics isn't provided, leaving its auditory quality an unknown factor. However, it's worth noting that sound output can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switches are designed for a lightweight typing experience, allowing for easy and gentle actuation, which is ideal for prolonged use as it minimizes finger fatigue. Their stepped tactility offers a perceptible feedback mechanism without overwhelming intensity, making them accessible for users who prefer a more subtle tactile experience. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Akko Dracula linear switch are absent; thus, a direct comparison cannot be made on this specific quality. It’s important to note that linear switches typically lack the tactile bump present in tactile switches, which would result in a smoother keypress.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Beer tactile switches provide a clacky sound and a lightweight, stepped tactile feel that makes typing enjoyable, the Akko Dracula linear switch's sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified. Should you seek a similar sound experience, you may look for switches that provide a comparable auditory feedback to the Beer, while for the feel, the type of switch (tactile vs. linear) will determine your preference in tactile feedback. Overall, each switch caters to different user experiences, and your choice will ultimately depend on the aspects that align best with your typing habits and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light typing experience with a pronounced tactile feel and an engaging clacky sound, then the Beer switch may be your best bet. Its stepped tactility provides a unique sensation that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you seek a balance between comfort and responsiveness. The lightweight bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue while allowing you to navigate effortlessly through your work. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel, the Akko Dracula switch might be more aligned with your needs. With a slightly lower actuation force of 45 grams and its innovative POK material, this switch provides a soft, uninterrupted keystroke for users who appreciate a clean and streamlined typing experience without any tactile bumps. The extra stem hole enhances smoothness, making the Dracula perfect for those who value fluid motion during typing or gaming. Depending on whether you lean toward tactile feedback or smooth linearity, either switch can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience in different ways.
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