Akko Botany vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Akko Dracula both cater to distinct preferences while maintaining the benefits of linear switch design. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound that adds a delightful auditory dimension to typing, making it an enticing choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience without the noise associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch is engineered with innovative POK material, enhancing smoothness and durability, thereby appealing to users who prioritize a silky typing feel and longevity in their components. While both switches showcase ideal linear characteristics, the Botany stands out for its engaging sound profile, whereas the Dracula excels in providing a refined and durable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
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
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Akko Botany and Akko Dracula keyboards exhibit notable differences, especially in their top housings. The Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, revered for its ability to produce a deep and rounded sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This softness allows for sound absorption, resulting in a typing experience that feels more muted and controlled. In contrast, the Dracula features POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, known for its smoothness and superior durability. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of nylon, POK promises a clackier sound and a more tactile experience, ultimately enhancing the keyboard's performance while maintaining a distinct auditory feedback.
While the top housing materials differ significantly, the bottom housings for both keyboards are made from nylon. This consistency means that both the Akko Botany and Akko Dracula will deliver a similar sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing reinforces the deeper sound characteristics, as it absorbs more impact and sound, contributing to a cohesive acoustic experience between the two switches. This alignment in bottom housing material ensures that the overall key feel and sound depth remain comparable, allowing users to appreciate the richness of the nylon sound signature regardless of the top housing differences.
In summary, the Akko Botany and Dracula keyboards provide a contrasting experience in terms of their top housing materials, with the Botany leaning towards a softer, more muted typism and the Dracula favoring smoothness and durability. However, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a consistent baseline for sound absorption, resulting in a deeper auditory signature. This combination of differing top materials with a common bottom housing allows for a unique blend of tactile experiences, making both keyboards formidable choices, each catering to different preferences in typing feel and acoustic output.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, both exhibit light characteristics in their actuation forces. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Dracula slightly edges it out with a lower actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Dracula switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it a better option for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that they provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Dracula would be suitable, while both offer a consistent bottoming out experience, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile feedback at the end of the keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to whether you prioritize a slightly lower actuation force (Dracula) or a firmer push feel (Botany).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the Botany measures at 3.6 mm, while the Dracula has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Botany switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Dracula might provide a more substantial key press, which some users prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. Consequently, those who favor responsiveness should opt for the Botany, whereas those who enjoy a deeper keystroke might find the Dracula more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany linear switch is renowned for its crisp and lively clacking sound that is present right out of the box. This distinct acoustic signature is likely to appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch is less defined but includes innovative features such as POK material for the top case and stem, which suggests it may produce a different, potentially more subdued or refined auditory experience. However, sound characteristics can vary greatly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used, which means that both switches have the potential to sound different in various setups.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switch delivers a lively typing experience with a level of feedback that many typists find enjoyable. The tactile sensation it offers can lead to a heightened typing engagement, making it suitable for those who appreciate a switch with personality. In comparison, the Akko Dracula switch is designed with enhanced smoothness in mind, attributed to its POK material and the innovative extra stem hole intended for improved airflow. This design focuses on offering an ultra-smooth typing experience, potentially making it a favorite among those who prioritize a velvety keystroke with less resistance.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch brings a lively sound and engaging feel to the table, the Akko Dracula switch focuses on smoothness and durability through innovative materials and design. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so newcomers can expect to achieve satisfying results with either option depending on their individual taste in sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a seamless typing experience, as both options can deliver a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences when it comes to sound and feel. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a crisp, lively clacky sound, the Botany is the better option for you. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more responsive feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Dracula switch will be more suitable. Its unique POK material and innovative design not only provide enhanced durability but also contribute to a smoother operation, making it a joy to type on for extended periods. Therefore, if you value auditory feedback and a more tactile experience, the Botany is your go-to switch, while the Dracula is perfect for users seeking a quieter and more polished feel. Ultimately, assess your own typing habits and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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