Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Dracula are two notable linear options that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its especially light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a responsive typing experience that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy a lively audio feedback and a nimble feel. In contrast, the Akko Dracula stands out with its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, which not only enhances durability but also provides ultra-smooth typing. The additional stem hole in the Dracula switch improves airflow, contributing to a smoother keystroke experience. While both switches are linear, making them great for uninterrupted typing, they cater to different sensibilities regarding sound and tactile feedback. 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
51g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Dracula, it is evident that the two switches utilize different materials in their top housings. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer plastic, which results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffness allows the switch to produce a crisper sound, particularly suited for users seeking a pronounced auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances the effect of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for those who prioritize aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Dracula employs a POK top housing, which, although it offers durability and smoothness, does not possess the same level of sound clarity as polycarbonate. While POK is recognized for its low coefficient of friction and superior wear resistance, the nuances in sound it produces may differ, leading to a less pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Chiikawa.
Both switches share a common ground in their bottom housing, utilizing nylon, a classic material known for its sound characteristics. The nylon composition in both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Dracula allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This similarity results in a more muted and rounder sound during keypresses, as nylon effectively absorbs impact and sound vibrations compared to its harder counterparts. In both cases, users can expect a consistent typing feel that resonates with that warm, rounded audio signature, leading to a deeper auditory experience regardless of the differences present in the top housing.
The separation of housing materials also highlights how each switch's sound and typing feel can be influenced, with the top housing significantly affecting the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound. Consequently, while the Chiikawa - 45g delivers a brighter, more resonant experience due to its polycarbonate top, the Akko Dracula’s POK material lends itself to a smoother overall experience with some trade-offs in sound clarity. However, since both switches utilize nylon at their base, they provide a similarly rich and rounded typing feel, ensuring that users can experience satisfying performance even if the overall sound profile differs.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Dracula switch the lighter option among the two. The significant difference in actuation force suggests that users seeking a softer touch for extended typing sessions will likely prefer the Akko Dracula, while those who favor a more substantial feel during key presses might opt for the Chiikawa. Additionally, the Chiikawa's bottom out force is heavier, providing a more pronounced feedback upon pressing all the way down, while the Dracula's lower bottom out force results in a gentler conclusion to each keystroke. This contrast in actuation and bottom out forces could influence user preference depending on their typing style and requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Dracula linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Dracula switch. For gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa may provide a more efficient experience. On the other hand, the Dracula's longer travel distance could appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press and a bit more depth in their typing experience. Therefore, choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer the swift feedback of the Chiikawa or the more robust feel of the Dracula.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that can be quite pleasant for users who enjoy an auditory feedback while typing. This bright sound quality contributes to a vivid experience, making each keystroke feel more engaging. In contrast, the Akko Dracula linear switch, while associated with an ultra-smooth typing experience due to its innovative POK material, does not specify its sound characteristics, leaving an unknown in that aspect. However, it's important to note that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so both switches can be tailored to achieve specific auditory results depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is noted for its very light actuation force, which makes the switch notably responsive and easy to press, leading to a user-friendly typing experience. This lightness can be particularly beneficial for those who favor rapid typists or gaming applications. The Akko Dracula switch, on the other hand, is designed for ultra-smooth typing with its enhanced durability features, indicating a focus on providing a seamless keystroke experience. While both switches prioritize a satisfying feel, they cater to slightly different preferences—those who prefer a lighter keystroke may favor the Chiikawa, while those seeking smoothness might gravitate toward the Dracula.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out for its bright sound and very light actuation force, making it appealing for users who enjoy a responsive and engaging typing experience. The Akko Dracula linear switch prioritizes smoothness and durability, thanks to its innovative materials and design. While the sound profile of the Dracula remains unspecified, both switches offer unique qualities that can lead to different yet satisfying typing experiences. Ultimately, your choice may come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, but both are designed to enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a bright sound profile, with a light actuation force that makes it highly responsive and fun to type on, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams contributes to a crisp, high-pitched sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and durability in your switch experience, the Akko Dracula switch may be the better fit for you. With its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Dracula is designed for ultra-smooth keystrokes and features an innovative construction that ensures enhanced longevity and performance. Its additional stem hole aids in airflow, contributing to a more comfortable typing feel. Therefore, if you lean towards a peppy sound and tactile feedback, the Chiikawa - 45g is the way to go, while the Dracula is perfect for a quieter, smoother typing experience that stands the test of time.
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