Aflion Blush vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Akko Dracula both offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blush, noted for its impressively smooth and snappy feel, features a longer, two-stage spring that enhances typing experience, resulting in a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery sound signature. This makes the Blush an appealing option for gamers and typists alike who enjoy tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, which not only provides ultra-smooth typing but also boosts the switch's durability. Its design incorporates an extra stem hole to facilitate improved airflow, making it a great choice for those who value longevity and consistent performance over time. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Akko Dracula, a significant distinction lies in their top housing composition. The Blush utilizes polycarbonate, known for its stiffer plastic properties that create a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material also is highly translucent, making it an appealing choice for RGB lighting applications due to its clarity and resonance. Conversely, the Akko Dracula utilizes POK—polyketone—which while offering a smooth typing experience with a lower coefficient of friction, focuses more on durability than acoustics. POK's stronger wear and shock resistance contribute to a different overall feel and sound, leading to a more clacky auditory experience. Thus, while the Blush’s polycarbonate offers brightness in sound, the Dracula’s POK material adds a robust smoothness that appeals to users seeking longevity in their switches.
The bottom housing composition of both switches, however, reveals a shared characteristic: nylon. Both the Aflion Blush and Akko Dracula feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound. Given that both switches rely on the same material for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar deep and resonant bottom-out sound and tactile feel when typing on both switches, despite the differences present in their top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch showcases a thoughtful design strategy. With the Blush fusing a bright, clear top housing of polycarbonate with a deep, full nylon bottom, it offers a unique auditory experience blending crispness and depth. In contrast, the Akko Dracula's mix of a smooth POK top and soft nylon bottom creates a distinctly different feel, focusing on durability and smooth operation. Therefore, while users of both the Blush and Dracula will find common ground in terms of bottom housing sound quality and tactile feedback due to the nylon material, the distinct top housing choices ensure that each switch delivers a unique overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Akko Dracula linear switch, there are notable differences in their force characteristics. The Aflion Blush has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range for feel and feedback. In contrast, the Akko Dracula boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This difference means that the Blush requires a heavier touch to register a keystroke compared to the Dracula, making the Blush a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the Dracula is better suited for users seeking a lighter feel that can enhance typing comfort over long sessions. Ultimately, the Blush offers a more robust experience, whereas the Dracula caters to those who favor ease and speed in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dracula has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the Blush's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, allowing for faster reaction times, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Dracula's longer distance provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a satisfying keypress experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor quick responsiveness or a deeper, more tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
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 Aflion Blush switch stands out with its low-pitched tone, characterized by a deeper, bass-heavy resonance that tends to provide a more mellow auditory experience compared to higher-pitched switches. This low-pitched sound contributes to a pleasant and balanced typing atmosphere, especially in quieter environments. The Akko Dracula switch, on the other hand, does not have any specific sound qualities detailed. However, it's important to note that the sound characteristics of both switches can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps you use, meaning that with the right combination, you could achieve a satisfying auditory result with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch is highly regarded for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. Users can expect an exceptionally smooth sensation as their fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This is largely due to its longer, two-stage spring design and carefully crafted materials which enhance the overall keypress. The Akko Dracula switch, however, does not have a detailed description of its feel. Nonetheless, both switches likely aim to deliver a similarly satisfying tactile experience, especially since the Blush is noted for its ultra-smooth action, suggesting that it may set a high benchmark in terms of smoothness and precision.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and Akko Dracula linear switches offer distinct advantages, especially in terms of the Blush's well-defined auditory characteristics and smooth typing feel. If you are seeking a switch that combines a low-pitched sound with a rich tactile experience, the Blush may be the ideal choice for you. While the specific qualities of sound and feel for the Dracula are less documented, the focus on enhancing smoothness and durability indicates that it too could provide a rewarding typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise to deliver enjoyable results, and your experience will be shaped by your choice of keyboard and any customizations you make.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a medium actuation force that delivers a smooth, creamy, buttery, and silky typing experience, the Blush switch is a fantastic choice. Its unique two-stage spring design creates a full and snappy feel, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. Moreover, the low-pitched sound signature adds a satisfying bass-heavy tone to your keystrokes, which is perfect if you appreciate auditory feedback during your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for quicker key presses and enhanced durability in your typing, the Akko Dracula linear switch is the way to go. With its innovative POK material and extra stem hole for improved airflow, this switch provides a remarkably smooth and responsive experience. It's particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions when comfort and reduced fatigue are paramount. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should align with your specific needs, whether you prioritize a snappy and rich feel or a super smooth and light touch.
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