Akko Dracula vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and TTC Flaming Pink are both exceptional linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Akko Dracula switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both its top case and stem, promoting an ultra-smooth typing experience coupled with enhanced durability. Its design includes an additional stem hole that contributes to improved airflow and smoothness, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a fluid feel while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switch captivates users with its smooth and responsive action, combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound that delivers a premium typing experience. This switch strikes a balance between performance and subtle acoustics, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. While each of these linear switches offers distinct advantages—whether it be the Akko Dracula's durability and smoothness or the Flaming Pink's satisfying sound profile—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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Dracula and the TTC Flaming Pink switches, one notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Akko Dracula features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is celebrated for its low coefficient of friction (0.04), making it one of the smoothest options available. Its impressive durability—14 times stronger than POM—and enhanced shock resistance further contribute to a robust and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonation, making it ideal for achieving dynamic sound qualities, especially in RGB settings. While both materials offer desirable characteristics, their differing properties lead to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences in practice.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, present a fascinating similarity. Both the Akko Dracula and the TTC Flaming Pink employ nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is celebrated for absorbing sound effectively due to its softer nature, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. The consistent choice of nylon for both switches means that users can expect a similar sound profile in terms of depth and richness during use. This shared attribute allows users to enjoy the benefits of a more muted and rounded sound, despite the contrasting top housings, which play a pivotal role in defining the overall acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the distinct top and shared bottom housings results in unique yet comparable performance characteristics for both the Akko Dracula and TTC Flaming Pink switches. The smooth and durable properties of the POK top housing in the Dracula bring a different tactile experience compared to the sharper resonance of the polycarbonate in the Flaming Pink. However, with both switches housing nylon at the bottom, they consistently deliver a fuller sound quality. Thus, even though the top housing materials introduce variance in sound and feel, the nylon bottoms harmonize the overall auditory experience, providing a deeper and distinguishable sound signature that remains indispensable in both models.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch both offer a lightweight typing experience, though they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula requires an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Flaming Pink has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as the heavier switch. This makes the Dracula better suited for those who prioritize prolonged typing sessions and comfort, while the Flaming Pink may appeal to users who favor a more substantial tactile feedback during use. Overall, while both switches are light, the Dracula offers a softer touch compared to the Flaming Pink's firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, the Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Flaming Pink has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Flaming Pink may be more suitable due to its shorter travel, which can enhance gaming performance with quicker key presses. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, the Akko Dracula’s greater travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Dracula offering a longer travel distance and the Flaming Pink providing a shorter, faster response option.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula switch is characterized by a somewhat muted profile due to the POK material, which helps absorb vibrations and results in a softer acoustics during typing. This can create a more subdued typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments or office settings. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet not overly loud sound that produces a more satisfying bottom-out when the keys are pressed fully down. This allows for a pleasing auditory feedback loop during typing, striking a balance between a premium sound experience without being obtrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch excels in providing an ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by its innovative design that includes an extra stem hole to improve airflow and fluidity. This allows for seamless keystrokes, making it a great choice for long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is praised for its smooth and responsive feel, which contributes to a satisfying tactile experience perfect for both gaming and daily tasks. Each switch offers distinct advantages in terms of feel, making both suitable for various typing preferences.
Overall, the Akko Dracula and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches provide unique experiences in both sound and feel. While the Dracula focuses on a muted sound profile coupled with ultra-smooth operation, the Flaming Pink emphasizes an engaging auditory feedback and responsive feel. Depending on your personal preferences for noise levels and tactile sensations, either switch could cater well to your typing style, ultimately offering quality experiences that align with your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Akko Dracula and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and uses. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience along with enhanced durability, the Akko Dracula switch is your best bet. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer a gentle typing feel, particularly if you tend to type for extended periods or if you desire a more nimble response in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying auditory feedback that isn't overwhelming, the TTC Flaming Pink switch with its slightly firmer bottom-out force of 50 grams could suit you better. This switch is well-suited for a mix of casual typing and gaming, providing a robust feel and a delightful sound without being overly loud. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should reflect your typing habits, whether comfort and smoothness are your top priorities or if you prefer a tad more feedback during your strokes, ensuring your mechanical keyboard perfectly aligns with your preferences.
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