Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, stands out for its engaging poppy and clacky sound profile, delivering a snappy, bouncy feel to each keystroke. This makes it ideal for users who crave audible feedback and enjoy the dynamic sensation of tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko Dracula, a linear switch, offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, thanks to its innovative POK material and design that enhances durability and airflow. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience and fluid keystrokes without the tactile bump. While both switches cater to different typing preferences—exciting feedback versus seamless smoothness—they each present compelling advantages for various use cases. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko Dracula illustrate distinct characteristics that influence the acoustic and tactile experience of each switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a favorable choice for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating a visually appealing illumination. In contrast, the Akko Dracula employs POK material for its top housing, which, while also designed to enhance smoothness and durability, may produce a different acoustic profile. The higher coefficient of friction of POK provides a different tactile experience, supporting the claim of creating smooth and clacky switches. Thus, while both switches have exceptional top housings, the sound characteristics are likely to diverge due to the inherent properties of polycarbonate versus POK.
When examining the bottom housings of both keyboards, it’s important to note that both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dracula utilize nylon, a classic material for switch housings. The nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a less sharp and more rounded auditory experience. This shared choice in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will exhibit similar attributes in terms of sound dampening and the overall feel when bottoming out. Thus, while the top housings create unique sound profiles, the compatibility in bottom housing becomes a significant factor in achieving a deeper aural quality across both models.
In essence, the acoustic and tactile results of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko Dracula hinge on the interplay of their distinct top housings combined with their identical nylon bottom housings. With the V3's polycarbonate top delivering clarity and sharpness and the Dracula's POK material emphasizing smoothness and durability, each model offers a varied sound profile during the actuation. However, the commonality of the nylon bottom housing means that users can anticipate a consistent deeper sound when key presses occur, creating a unique blend of experiences between the two designs. Overall, while the switches differ in specific sound characteristics due to their materials, the nylon bottom ensures that both maintain a shared richness in acoustic feedback.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence the typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In comparison, the Akko Dracula has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Dracula switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended use without fatigue, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's heavier forces provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, favored by those who enjoy a stronger feedback during use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, we see a notable difference. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Dracula boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is the longer of the two switches. This difference can impact your typing experience significantly; the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is more suited for gamers seeking faster response times, whereas the longer travel distance of the Dracula might cater to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel with each key press. Overall, if you value quick and responsive key action, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the better choice, while the Dracula is ideal for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch delivers a distinct poppy and clacky audio profile that many typists find appealing. This lively sound comes from its design, which accentuates auditory feedback and can invigorate the typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch's sound characteristics are less defined in the provided information. Generally, linear switches like the Dracula tend to produce a quieter sound since they lack the tactile bump that creates additional noise upon actuation. However, factors such as housing material, keycap choice, and keyboard build can influence the audible aspect, potentially making the sound differences between these two switches a point of personal preference.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro shines with a well-rounded tactile sensation that is accented but not overwhelmingly pronounced. Descriptors such as "bouncy," "snappy," and "polished" highlight the switch’s responsive nature, providing the user with a lively and enjoyable typing experience that features smooth key travel and tactile feedback without being abrasive. In contrast, the feel of the Akko Dracula switch is not described in the information provided, leaving it a bit ambiguous. However, linear switches are generally known for their fluid and uninterrupted key travel, which can be quite smooth due to their lack of tactile feedback compared to the tactile nature of the Cream Blue Pro.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out for its lively sound profile and a balanced tactile feel characterized by its bounce and snappiness, making it great for both typing and gaming. The Akko Dracula linear switch, while potentially quieter and smoother, lacks specific descriptors in terms of tactile feedback, leaving its feel somewhat undefined. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your preference for sound and tactile response; the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more acoustic and tactile experience, while the Dracula promises ultra-smooth operation, which could appeal to users preferring a clean and silent typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences, typing style, and desired sound profile. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a satisfying click and pop, the V3 Cream Blue Pro, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and lively, oscillating sound, will likely suit you well. This switch's pronounced tactility and bouncy, snappy feedback make it ideal for typists who appreciate audible cues and a bit of nostalgia reminiscent of vintage typewriters. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with less force required for actuation—thanks to the Dracula's light 45-gram bottom-out force—this linear switch is your best bet. The Dracula excels in offering ultra-smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for gamers or anyone who values speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Assess your priorities, whether they lean more towards the auditory and tactile engagement of the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the seamless, whisper-quiet action of the Dracula, to determine which switch will enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
