Durock Dolphin vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Durock Dolphin is celebrated for its silent operation, making it an excellent choice for noisy office environments or shared workspaces where distractions should be minimized. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a pleasing balance between precision and a satisfying resistance that appeals to users seeking a more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative POK material in the top case and stem, which promotes ultra-smooth typing while enhancing durability. Additionally, the Dracula's unique design features an extra stem hole that improves airflow and smoothness, providing a fluid typing experience. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they cater to different preferences in sound, feel, and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and Akko Dracula present distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, impacting the overall acoustic profile of each switch. The Dolphin utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This acoustic characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting because of polycarbonate's translucency. Conversely, the Dracula employs POK, or polyketone, for its top housing. Although POK also provides a robust and clear sound, its strength lies in its smoothness and wear resistance, potentially offering a different tactile experience. While both materials impact sound clarity, polycarbonate may be preferred for those seeking a more clear high-pitched output, whereas POK could offer a smoother actuation with a touch of clackiness.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a well-regarded material renowned for its acoustic and tactile properties. The use of nylon in the Dolphin's and Dracula's bottom housings leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic absorbs more sound when compared to its harder counterparts. The similarity in bottom housing material ensures that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users will experience a consistent depth and warmth in sound across both switches. This shared characteristic will likely appeal to enthusiasts who favor a more rounded acoustic experience, reinforcing the notion that both switches provide rich auditory feedback.
When considering the interplay of the different housing materials, the Dolphin and Dracula present a unique blend of sound profiles derived from their respective top housings coupled with their identical nylon bottom housings. Users will feel the effects of both unique top materials—the sharper clarity from the polycarbonate in the Dolphin and the smoother action from the POK in the Dracula—while enjoying a common depth of sound emanating from nylon's properties below. This combination ultimately means that both switches can achieve a satisfying acoustic experience, appealing to different preferences, whether for the nuanced highs of polycarbonate or the clacky smoothness of POK, while maintaining a shared warmth from the nylon base.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Dolphin has an actuation force that is unspecified but a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a much lighter switch overall. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch will likely gravitate towards the Akko Dracula, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Dolphin. The Dolphin, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Consequently, for users who type for long periods or engage in extensive gaming, the lighter Akko Dracula may offer a more comfortable experience, while those seeking a stronger and more tactile response might prefer the Dolphin.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Dolphin and Akko Dracula linear switches share an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress journey when engaging either switch. Since both switches have the same specifications, one can expect a similar tactile response and actuation feel, contributing to a consistent typing experience. Therefore, whether choosing the Dolphin or the Dracula, users will find that their keypress distances are equal, ensuring no difference in travel distance performance between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a muted and low-pitched auditory experience. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise is a concern, as it produces softer sounds compared to more traditional, clacky switches. The Dolphin's low-pitched tone further adds to the experience, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow ambiance when typing. In contrast, the Akko Dracula switch has no specified sound characteristics available, leaving its acoustic feedback unknown. However, one should keep in mind that sound ultimately depends on various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is noted for its polished nature, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through either high-quality materials, factory lubing, or a combination of both, which reduces friction and facilitates smooth key travel, making for a satisfying press. The Dolphin's medium-heavy actuation force of 62g adds a substantial feel, offering a slight resistance that many typists appreciate. The Akko Dracula switch does not provide specific details about its feel characteristics, leaving that aspect ambiguous.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin and Akko Dracula switches cater to enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences. The Dolphin stands out with its silent operation, low-pitched sound, and polished feel, ideal for those who value quiet efficiency and a smooth typing experience. While the specifics of the Dracula switch remain unclear, if both switches are known for their smoothness, users might find that they experience similarly satisfying results in their typing endeavors. Your choice should ultimately depend on your preferences for sound and feel; the Dolphin clearly shines in both areas, whereas the Dracula's offerings are yet to be determined.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin and Akko Dracula linear switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and enjoy a more substantial feedback from your keys, the Durock Dolphin is an excellent option. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing accuracy, making it particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch, improved smoothness, and a faster response time, the Akko Dracula would be the better choice. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams and innovative design features like ultra-smooth POK material and enhanced durability, it can cater to an agile typing style, potentially making it a favorite for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Ultimately, weigh these factors according to your personal preferences and usage scenarios to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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