HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to picking the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Dracula, both of which are linear switches that promise unique typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is distinguished by its heavier actuation weight and a distinctive clacky sound profile, catering to those who thrive on a bright, engaging typing ambiance. Its silky smooth feel adds to the overall typing satisfaction, making it a compelling choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch is engineered with POK material for the top case and stem, emphasizing ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability. Its innovative design features an extra stem hole that allows for improved airflow and smoothness, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience over audibility. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the choice between the two often boils down to whether one prefers a more vibrant auditory sensation or a focus on pure smoothness and durability. 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
56g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Dracula, we notice distinct differences in the top housing components. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's relatively soft and absorptive nature, which dampens vibrations and echoes, creating a rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Akko Dracula features POK material for its top housing. While POK offers narrower sound absorption characteristics, it provides superior smoothness due to its lower coefficient of friction. This translates into a slightly different tactile feedback and auditory experience, where the Dracula is expected to yield a clackier sound profile as opposed to the Cloud's smoother tones.
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Dracula employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a significant point of overlap in their acoustic performance. Since both switches use nylon in this component, they elicit similar sound profiles—specifically, a deeper and rounder sound due to the softness of the material. This uniformity means that, when bottoming out the keys, users will experience a comparable auditory experience regardless of the differences found in the top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing effectively absorbs sound during key presses, ensuring a consistent and harmonious output when typing on either switch.
In essence, while the top housing of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Dracula varies significantly, the similarity in their bottom housings allows for analogous acoustic results. This means that regardless of the distinct tactile and sound characteristics introduced by the different top materials—nylon versus POK—users can still expect a uniformity in sound and feel when engaging the switches. Therefore, those considering these switches can anticipate an enjoyable typing experience with rich sound quality, driven primarily by the nylon bottom housing, while the top housing elements provide individual flair to each switch's tactile journey.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer easier key presses for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Cloud switch is the heavier option, while the Dracula is the lighter choice. The significant disparity in actuation and bottom out forces suggests that users will experience different levels of tactile feedback and comfort, depending on their preference for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, there's a slight difference that may influence a user's preference. The HMX Cloud switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Akko Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making the Dracula the shorter of the two. While both switches are relatively close in specifications, this minor difference can have an impact on the feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming. For those who favor a snappier response, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula may be more appealing. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the HMX Cloud with its longer travel distance might be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between them could hinge on personal preference for either responsiveness or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is noted for its clacky and high-pitched audio profile, producing a sharp, crisp, and bright sound when pressed. This quality makes it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback, often noted as percussive with an enjoyable zing. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch lacks a specified sound profile, meaning it's difficult to compare directly. Sound can be heavily influenced by the keyboard's build, the choice of keycaps, and personal preference, so while the Cloud may be noticeably more sonorous, the Dracula could potentially offer a quieter experience depending on its design and construction.
In terms of tactile feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excels with its creamy and silky characteristics, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This sensation can be attributed to the lubrication applied during manufacturing or the specific materials used, creating an inviting workflow for typists and gamers alike. Conversely, the feel of the Akko Dracula switch is unknown, leaving a gap in this aspect of comparison. A lack of information on its tactile response means that while the Cloud maintains a superior positioning in this criterion, we can only speculate about the Dracula's potential smoothness.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch stands out with its distinct clacky sound and buttery, silky feel, making it a compelling choice for fans of auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. The Akko Dracula switch remains shrouded in mystery with unidentified sound and feel qualities, creating uncertainty in its overall performance. For those seeking a proven experience, the Cloud - 63.5g can deliver consistently enjoyable results; however, if you choose the Dracula, you'll need to explore its qualities firsthand to determine how it shapes your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a more pronounced typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a medium-heavy resistance that provides satisfying feedback during each keystroke, the Cloud - 63.5g is an excellent choice. Its silky smooth feel and higher bottom-out force make it suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright, engaging experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for rapid typing or enjoy a smoother and quieter experience, you might find the Akko Dracula switch more to your liking. With its innovative POK material and designed for ultra-smooth operation, the Dracula is ideal if you prioritize comfort and speed, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and what feels best for you as a newcomer to mechanical switches.
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