Akko Dracula vs. KTT F2
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the KTT F2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options, the Akko Dracula and the KTT F2, exemplify different approaches within the realm of linear switches. The Akko Dracula is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, delivering an ultra-smooth typing experience alongside enhanced durability. Its unique design features an additional stem hole, promoting airflow and smoothness that avid typists appreciate for long sessions of writing or gaming. On the other hand, the KTT F2 switches carve their niche through a distinct auditory characteristic, offering a hollow sound signature that brings a unique dimension to each keystroke. With a medium-light weight, the F2s strike a balance between comfort and responsiveness, while their lightly textured feel adds a subtle tactile nuance that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches present appealing qualities—smoothness and durability from the Akko Dracula versus the unique sound and tactile feedback of the KTT F2—each caters to different preferences in typing style. 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
35g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Dracula and KTT F2 switches, one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Dracula employs a polyketone (POK) material, which boasts impressive properties such as low friction, high durability, and remarkable shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK is optimized for smooth actuation while also providing a clacky and satisfying sound during operation. This focus on a smooth typing experience is enhanced by POK's strength, with wear resistance considerably superior to alternatives like POM and Nylon. In contrast, the KTT F2 switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a material known for its rigidity and allow for a crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a sharper, more resonant sound, particularly suitable for those who appreciate a clear auditory feedback when typing or gaming.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals another layer of contrast. The Akko Dracula's bottom housing is made of nylon, a classic material that lends a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. Nylon's sound absorption characteristics dampen vibrations, resulting in a more muted sound experience that many users may find comforting and rounded. On the other hand, the KTT F2 uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, mirroring the material choice of its top housing. This choice reinforces the overall sound profile of the F2, creating a cohesive sharpness that enhances the crispness of the switch's response. This difference in bottom housing material leads to a significant divergence in the tactile feedback and auditory sensations associated with each switch while typing.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in each switch affects their performance and sound profiles uniquely. With the Akko Dracula featuring a combination of POK and nylon, users can expect a smooth feel with a deeper sound signature, particularly when bottoming out the switches. Conversely, the KTT F2's dual polycarbonate construction delivers a uniformly sharper and crisper auditory experience. Even though both switches utilize polycarbonate in the F2, the overall switch interaction will differ between the two because of the distinct properties of each material. Mash together the unique characteristics of both types, and you can essentially achieve various auditory experiences through careful combinations of housing materials—wider clacks or tighter, sharper sounds—depending on personal preference and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams, while the KTT F2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, making the Dracula the easier option for extended typing or gaming sessions. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Dracula reaches a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the F2 feels a bit more substantial at 53 grams. Thus, the KTT F2 offers a heavier feel overall, appealing to users who prefer more resistance when typing, while the Akko Dracula is better suited for those who enjoy a lighter touch. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter and less fatiguing typing experience, the Akko Dracula is the preferred choice, while the KTT F2 provides a more robust feel for users who appreciate added resistance.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT F2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Dracula switch offers a deeper press, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the F2 switch could cater to those seeking quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you lean towards responsiveness and enjoy a lighter touch, the KTT F2 would likely be your best bet due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you appreciate the feel of a longer key press, the Akko Dracula switch would provide a more substantial depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 Dracula switch does not have a specified auditory quality provided, leaving its acoustic signature somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the KTT F2 linear switch is characterized by a neutral and subdued sound profile. The neutrality of the F2 makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office, providing a moderate auditory experience suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. The subdued nature of the F2's sound means that while it is not entirely silent, it causes less disruption compared to louder mechanical switches, making it a more pleasant choice for shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula's tactile experience is unspecified but is known for its ultra-smooth typing capabilities thanks to the use of POK material and additional design features enhancing airflow. On the other hand, the KTT F2 offers a diverse tactile experience characterized by a feathery touch, which requires minimal effort to actuate. This lightness reduces finger fatigue, making the F2 a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. The subtle and mild qualities of the F2 contribute to an approachable typing experience that is gentle yet engaging, enhancing enjoyment during both casual typing and more intensive tasks.
In summary, the Akko Dracula linear switch prioritizes smoothness and durability with an innovative design, while the KTT F2 linear switch stands out with a light, feathery feel and a neutral, subdued sound profile. Though the specific subjective qualities of the Dracula switch are less defined, users can expect an enjoyable typing experience from both options. If you appreciate smoothness and a quiet typing experience, both switches may serve you well, though the F2 provides a clearer understanding of sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your personal preference in typing feel and sound will guide your decision between these two switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch should be guided by your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor an ultra-smooth typing experience with a light actuation force of just 45 grams, the Akko Dracula is the way to go. Its POK material and innovative design lend themselves well to extended typing sessions, making it ideal for both casual use and gaming, particularly if you prefer a quieter, more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that balances comfort with a slightly higher actuation force of 53 grams, the KTT F2 provides a unique auditory profile with its distinct hollow sound signature. The F2's lightly textured feel enhances the tactile experience, making it just right for those who prioritize both the acoustic feedback and a mild actuation. Ultimately, both switches serve their purposes well, so consider your typing habits and the sound environment you’ll be in to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
