TTC Brother vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the TTC Brother and the Akko Dracula can significantly impact your typing experience. The Brother, a beloved clicky switch, showcases a feather-light actuation force of just 37g, coupled with a satisfying, crunchy sound profile that caters to those who relish auditory feedback while typing. The tactile bump provides a clear indication of actuation without being overbearing, making it an enticing option for users who thrive on the clicky sensation reminiscent of vintage typewriters. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch offers a completely different appeal as a linear switch, designed with innovative POK material that enhances smoothness and durability. The extra stem hole in its structure not only promotes better airflow but also contributes to a seamless typing experience, catering to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke without the distractions of audible clicks. While both switches have unique benefits—one emphasizing tactile feedback and sound while the other focuses on smoothness and durability—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
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Akko Dracula switches, there are distinct differences in their top housings. The TTC Brother utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by a stiffness that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups, enhancing visual appeal while augmenting auditory clarity. In contrast, the Akko Dracula features a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its exceptionally smooth texture and robust durability. Though POK offers a slightly softer sound compared to polycarbonate due to its different acoustic properties, it is also designed to provide a smooth, clacky feedback that appeals to many users. Hence, while both switches aim for an engaging auditory experience, their top housing materials result in different sound characteristics.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon, a material well-regarded in the keyboard community for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon used in both the TTC Brother and Akko Dracula retains similar acoustic properties, absorbing more sound from keystrokes compared to harder plastics. This leads to a more muted, rounded typing feel, which contrasts with the crisper sound produced by the top housings. As such, regardless of the top housing differences—polycarbonate versus POK—the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and fullness in sound during typing, contributing to a satisfying tactile experience across both switches.
In summary, while the TTC Brother and Akko Dracula switches utilize differing materials for their top housings—polycarbonate for the Brother and POK for the Dracula—they both leverage nylon for the bottom, resulting in a unified auditory experience at the bottom of the keystroke. Each housing's unique material qualities will manifest differently during keypresses; the top housing influences the sound profile during release, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, even though the sound produced by the two switches may diverge during actual use, the foundational acoustic character will maintain a level of familiarity due to their shared nylon composition in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, we can observe differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces that affect typing experience. The Brother switch features an actuation force of 37 grams, slightly heavier than the Dracula's 35 grams. This suggests that the Brother switch may provide a more substantial feel during typing, which could be preferred by users looking for a stronger tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Brother is unavailable, making a direct comparison in that aspect impossible. In contrast, the Akko Dracula has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light and indicates that while it requires a lighter touch to actuate, pressing all the way down will still feel softer compared to typical heavier switches. Overall, the TTC Brother is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, while the Akko Dracula’s bottom out force is lighter, leading to potentially differing experiences based on user preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Dracula linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down a key, the TTC Brother will bottom out sooner than the Akko Dracula, making it the shorter option and potentially providing quicker response times, which may appeal to gamers who favor faster actuation. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula's 3.8 mm travel distance may offer a more tactile experience for those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing or gaming, as the additional 0.3 mm can provide a more satisfying feel. Thus, users looking for a more responsive experience should opt for the Brother switch, while those who appreciate a deeper engagement might lean towards the Dracula switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch truly shines with its distinctive crunchy audio feedback that draws enthusiasts in. Each keystroke produces a robust and crisp sound, reminiscent of stepping on a pile of autumn leaves, making it an auditory delight for those who appreciate a pronounced click. In contrast, the Akko Dracula linear switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving its acoustic characteristics unknown. This suggests that while the Brother switch provides a pronounced auditory experience, the Dracula may offer a quieter typing experience typical of linear switches, though specifics on its sound remain unconfirmed.
Regarding feel, the TTC Brother is designed for an easy-to-press experience, characterized by a lightweight actuation force of just 37g. This makes it effortlessly responsive, allowing for comfortable and low-impact typing, which effectively reduces finger fatigue during extended usage. Additionally, its tactile feedback features a mild stepped design that provides a distinct but not overwhelming sensation during key presses. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Dracula switch isn’t detailed, leaving potential users in the dark about its tactile characteristics and typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch offers an engaging auditory experience and a lightweight, pleasant tactile feel, the Akko Dracula linear switch's qualities remain largely unknown in these aspects. Those who prefer a lively, clicky typing experience will find the Brother an excellent choice. Meanwhile, if the construction of the Dracula is aimed at providing smoothness and durability, it could still appeal to users seeking a more subdued and linear experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference, particularly in sound and feel, with the clear distinction that the Brother is firmly rooted in the clicky category, while the Dracula's characteristics remain a mystery.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, your decision should align with your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a tactile and engaging typing sensation, the Brother clicky switch is a fantastic choice. Its lightweight actuation and satisfying crunchy sound make it ideal for those who appreciate a lively keystroke that adds character to their typing or gaming session. The tactile feedback is noticeable but not overwhelming, making it suitable for both extended typing and casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, the Akko Dracula linear switch is the way to go. Its gentle 45-gram bottom-out force combined with the ultra-smooth performance from the POK material allows for fluid key presses, perfect for rapid, repetitive typing or those long gaming marathons where noise and tactile feedback might become distractions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you yearn for the clicky excitement or the smooth tranquility that these two excellent switches offer.
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