HMX Deep Navy vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch's characteristics can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko Dracula, both of which are linear switches. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and is constructed entirely from durable nylon, providing users with a silky smooth keystroke experience thanks to its Ly stem design. This switch is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive auditory experience along with a refined feel. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula stands out with its innovative POK material used for both the top case and stem, which not only enhances durability but also contributes to a super smooth typing experience. Its unique design features an extra stem hole that improves airflow and allows for an even more fluid keystroke. While both switches offer a smooth linear experience, their distinct materials and sound profiles present different benefits. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko Dracula, it becomes clear that while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they differ significantly in the material used for their top housings. The Deep Navy employs nylon for both the top and bottom, which results in a cohesive sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. The soft properties of nylon allow it to absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder acoustic signature that is pleasant and satisfying for touch typists. This uniformity in material contributes to a consistent typing experience, where both the sound and tactile feedback are harmoniously aligned.
In contrast, the Akko Dracula features a POK top housing that stands out with its smoothness and durability. The POK material's coefficient of friction of 0.04 and impressive wear resistance makes it one of the premier choices for switch construction. This high-performance plastic not only offers superior shock resistance compared to nylon but also influences the overall typing experience by imparting clackier acoustics when compared to the muted tones of the Deep Navy. The combination of the durable POK top with the nylon bottom, which contributes to a deeper sound, suggests a unique hybrid experience where the user can enjoy a blend of both durability and warmth, offering a more varied sound profile than the Deep Navy's consistent nylon build.
Ultimately, while both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, the HMX Deep Navy presents a uniform nylon sound profile, whereas the Akko Dracula's POK top housing allows for a distinct and smoother auditory experience. The differences in the materials used for the top housings contribute to the unique characteristics of each switch. However, since the bottom housings are identical in material, both switches will still yield a similar depth and fullness in sound when the key is fully bottomed out. The contrasting top housing materials thus split the qualities each housing can contribute to the switch, underscoring how even slight variations can create fundamentally different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, both exhibit light characteristics, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Dracula is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that while the Dracula offers a softer keystroke activation, both switches require the same force to bottom out. Users seeking a more responsive typing experience may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Akko Dracula, while those who favor a bit more resistance may opt for the Deep Navy. Overall, the Deep Navy is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, but both switches provide a similar bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, there's a notable difference. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dracula has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that for users who prefer a shorter and more responsive action, the Deep Navy might be the better choice, as it can facilitate quicker keystrokes suitable for gaming or fast typing. In contrast, the Akko Dracula, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which some users may find more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Therefore, those who appreciate a more abrupt response should lean towards the Deep Navy, whereas those who prefer a heartier depth may opt for the longer-traveling Dracula switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, largely due to its full nylon construction. Users can expect a satisfying acoustic feedback that adds character to each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Dracula linear switch features POK material for its top case and stem, which aims to enhance both its acoustics and overall sound quality. While specific descriptions of the sound for the Dracula are not detailed here, it can generally be anticipated that the unique material will lend itself well to delivering a pleasant audio experience during typing. Both switches will ultimately have their sound profiles influenced by the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch offers a silky smoothness with each keystroke, largely attributed to the carefully designed Ly stem which ensures no bump or jarring resistance during actuation. Meanwhile, the Akko Dracula linear switch focuses on ultra-smooth typing, enhanced by its innovative design, which includes an extra stem hole aimed at improving airflow and smoothness. This suggests that both switches will provide an enjoyable and smooth typing experience overall. Although the specific tactile feedback from both switches may vary slightly, they are directed towards the same smooth, linear experience that typists typically favor.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Akko Dracula linear switches provide excellent options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, while also offering distinct sound profiles thanks to their construction materials. While the Deep Navy emphasizes a rich sound with nylon, the Dracula utilizes POK material to enhance durability and acoustics. Ultimately, those who choose either switch can expect high-quality performance in terms of both sound and feel, creating an engaging typing experience, with the actual results likely varying based on the keyboard setup they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch largely depends on your preferences for feel, sound, and overall typing experience. If you value a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances your typing with a distinctly satisfying acoustic quality, then the Deep Navy switches may be your ideal choice. Their silky smoothness makes every keystroke feel effortless, providing a pleasurable typing experience that can be particularly enjoyable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if durability and improved airflow are at the top of your priority list, the Akko Dracula switches might be more suitable for you. With their POK material construction and added stem hole for enhanced smoothness, these switches are designed for longevity while delivering a consistent and comfortable feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a light bottom-out force, but your choice should reflect whether you lean towards acoustic pleasure and smoothness with the Deep Navy or durability and performance enhancement with the Dracula. In summary, prioritize your personal typing style and sound preference to select the switch that will best elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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