Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference between tactile and linear responses. The Kailh Box Royal stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback, delivering an aggressive, binary tactility that many typists appreciate for its satisfying and engaging typing experience. The higher-pitched sound profile adds to its distinct personality, making it a compelling choice for users who thrive on tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch is designed for those who prioritize smoothness and durability; its POK material construction and unique airflow design provide a seamless typing experience that's a delight for typists and gamers alike. Each switch appeals to different preferences—while the Box Royal is ideal for users seeking pronounced tactile cues, the Dracula caters to those wanting a more fluid and whisper-quiet operation. 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
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Dracula, distinct characteristics emerge that influence their acoustic and tactile performances. The Kailh Box Royal's top housing is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material renowned for its ability to produce a fuller, deeper sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature when typing. In contrast, the Akko Dracula features a POK top housing, composed of polyketone, which offers a slightly higher friction coefficient compared to nylon. This material is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, being significantly more resistant to wear and tear while also providing a distinct clacky sound that contrasts the Box Royal's mellower tones.
The bottom housing materials of both switches also reveal a noteworthy parallel. Both the Box Royal and the Dracula utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which share similar sound absorption properties and the ability to create a deeper auditory experience during typing. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the acoustic outcomes when bottoming out will share certain characteristics due to the nylon material. Thus, users of both switches can expect a comparable depth and fullness in sound when the keys are fully pressed down, emphasizing the role of the bottom housing in shaping the tactile experience.
Ultimately, the contrasting properties of the top housings converge in their bottom housings, offering unique experiences while maintaining similar auditory qualities. The Box Royal’s nylon top brings a softer, fuller tone, while the Akko Dracula’s POK material introduces sharper clacks. Yet, when these switches are fully pressed, the shared nylon bottom enhances the fullness of sound, allowing users to find familiar auditory satisfaction despite the variances in their construction. Therefore, while the materials may differ notably in their top housings, the synergy established through the nylon bottom housings fosters a comparable typing experience in terms of sound when the keys are fully engaged.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying typing preferences. The Box Royal requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer push. In contrast, the Akko Dracula boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users looking for minimized fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Given the differences, users of the Dracula switch can expect a notably lighter feel compared to the heftier Box Royal, which can lead to a different typing dynamic altogether.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, it is evident that they differ in their measurements. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. This difference indicates that users looking for a snappier typing experience may prefer the Kailh Box Royal due to its reduced travel distance, which can enhance responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula's longer travel distance might appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feel while typing. Therefore, the choice between these two switches can significantly impact the typing experience depending on personal preferences for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback without the low, rich tones found in other switches. In contrast, the Akko Dracula linear switch lacks a defined sound profile in the provided information, so its sonic characteristics remain unknown. It’s worth noting that the overall sound experience for both switches can also be influenced by the specific keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used, which means that the acoustic results can vary significantly.
Regarding feel, the Box Royal offers a notably sharp tactile response, providing high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt during every keypress. This aggressive tactility can enhance typing accuracy and engagement for users who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation. The Akko Dracula switch, on the other hand, does not provide a tactile response as it is a linear switch. Linear switches are generally smoother and offer no tactile bump or click, making the user experience quite different from that of the Box Royals. Since the Dracula switch utilizes specialized materials for an ultra-smooth typing experience, it emphasizes fluidity over tactile feedback.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stands out for its sharp, high-pitched sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for users seeking an aggressive tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Akko Dracula switch emphasizes smoothness and durability, catering to those who prefer a quiet and seamless typing action without any tactile interruptions. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, but users can expect markedly different typing sensations and auditory experiences from each.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you lean towards a typing experience that offers a pronounced tactile feedback, then the Box Royal with its sharp, binary tactility and higher bottom-out force of 70 grams is an excellent choice for you. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy feeling a distinct bump with each keystroke, providing a more aggressive tactile sensation suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch, with its light 45-gram actuation force and innovative design offering ultra-smooth key presses, would be more suitable. Its superior smoothness and quieter operation make it a better fit for extended typing sessions or environments where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, understanding your typing style and the kind of feedback you desire from your switches will guide you in making the right choice between these two distinct options.
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