HMX Cheese vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves deciding between various options, each offering its own unique feel and performance. The HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness and a distinctly satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. As ultra-light switches, they stand out in the market, being lighter than 90% of all other switches, making them ideal for users who prefer rapid keystrokes with an enhanced auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switches bring their own advantages to the table, incorporating POK material in both the top case and stem for ultra-smooth typing coupled with enhanced durability. Their innovative design features an extra stem hole that improves airflow, resulting in an even smoother experience. While the Cheese switches may appeal to those who prioritize a lighter, more acoustic feedback, the Dracula switches focus on smoothness and lasting performance. 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
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko Dracula, it's evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. The Cheese effectively capitalizes on nylon's properties, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb impact and reduce resonance. This characteristic makes the Cheese a great option for those who prefer a softer, more muted typing experience. The Akko Dracula also employs nylon for its bottom housing, which similarly reinforces the deeper sound quality, ensuring that users can expect a comparable auditory experience. The shared nylon material in the bottom housing indicates that both switches will produce a rounded low-end sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience in a similar way.
In contrast, the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, with the Cheese featuring nylon and the Dracula utilizing polyketone (POK). The nylon top housing of the Cheese bolsters the same deep sound profile that its bottom housing provides. Meanwhile, the POK material in the Dracula's top housing introduces a smoother, clackier typing experience, thanks to its lower coefficient of friction and superior durability. POK's wear resistance and shock absorption capabilities present an excellent alternative to nylon, resulting in a bright, responsive feel when typing. Thus, while the Cheese maintains a consistent sound profile throughout both housings due to its nylon construction, the Dracula leverages the strengths of POK in the top housing for a distinct typing texture.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials lead to varied typing experiences despite the similarities present in the bottom housings. The Cheese's use of nylon throughout ensures a cohesive and muted auditory output, while the Dracula's blend of nylon lower and POK upper housings offers a layered typing experience. The nylon bottom housing remains constant across both switches, providing users with a similar deep sound when bottoming out. However, the Dracula's POK top housing allows for a contrasting sound profile when releasing the keys, making it ideal for those who seek a more dynamic auditory response. In essence, while the bottom housing properties contribute to a shared acoustic foundation, the divergent top housing materials present distinct experiences, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, both have relatively light forces, making them suitable for longer typing sessions. The Cheese switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Dracula switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means the Akko Dracula is the lighter of the two in terms of actuation, providing a more effortless keystroke experience. However, both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces, contributing to a comparable overall typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Akko Dracula may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a slightly firmer feel may gravitate towards the HMX Cheese.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among users. The HMX Cheese features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Dracula has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prioritize faster response times, the HMX Cheese may be the better choice due to its shorter distance, allowing for quicker key actuation. In contrast, the Akko Dracula, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more pronounced feedback and a heartier feel when typing or gaming, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more traditional, deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This light switch produces a vibrant auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying during use, making it a delight for individuals who appreciate an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch does not have a specific description of its sound profile; however, the inclusion of POK material may contribute to a distinct sound production that’s not characterized yet. It's essential to recognize that the overall sound experience of either switch can be influenced by various factors, including the type of keyboard and keycaps paired with them.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches stand out for their unparalleled smoothness, offering a pristine typing experience that many users find hard to replicate. This ultra-light switch, being lighter than 90% of other switches, ensures an effortless keystroke, promoting quicker response times and a more dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Dracula switch is noted for its ultra-smooth typing, thanks to its innovative design, which enhances both durability and smoothness. While both switches focus on a smooth feel, the Cheese aims for a lighter touch, while the Dracula may provide a balance of smoothness with added durability.
In summary, if you're drawn to the HMX Cheese for its engaging sound and light, smooth feel, you’ll likely find satisfaction in that typing experience. The Akko Dracula, while not detailed in its auditory signature, offers a smooth feel with its durable construction. Both switches promise smoothness in their operation, making them excellent choices for someone seeking an enjoyable typing experience. However, the Cheese's distinctive sound may set it apart for those who prioritize auditory feedback along with tactile performance. Ultimately, your decision might hinge on whether you prefer the characteristic sound of the Cheese or the enhanced durability and performance potential of the Dracula.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, you should consider both your typing preferences and the sound profile you desire. If you prioritize a light touch with a uniquely satisfying clacky and crispy sound signature, the Cheese switch is your go-to option; it offers an unparalleled smoothness that can elevate your typing experience, making it ideal for both casual and gaming scenarios where feedback and auditory pleasure are important. On the other hand, if you value enhanced durability and a more innovative design, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent choice, thanks to its POK material and extra stem hole that provide improved airflow and a smoother feel. Its construction not only contributes to longevity but also ensures a steady typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to lighter preferences, but your decision should hinge on whether you lean more toward rich sound and feedback (in which case, go for the Cheese) or a focus on durability and ultra-smooth operation (which points to the Dracula).
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