Akko Dracula vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Ginger Milk offer distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike, both classified as linear switches. The Akko Dracula excels with its innovative POK material that enhances durability and delivers an ultra-smooth typing experience, bolstered by the unique design feature of an extra stem hole for improved airflow and smoothness. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a robust and consistent feel during prolonged usage. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk stands out for its ethereal softness and pastel hues, reflecting a silky smooth push feel complemented by a muted, snappy sound profile. This switch may be ideal for those who prioritize a gentle touch while still wanting a responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value durability and smoothness or a soft and approachable tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches display both unique characteristics and some similarities. The Dracula utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is known for its smoothness and notable durability. With a coefficient of friction at 0.04, it offers slightly increased friction compared to LY, while being exceptionally strong—14 times more wear-resistant than POM. The robust nature of POK also allows it to surpass Nylon's shock resistance by 2.3 times and POM’s by 1.4 times. This means that the Dracula is designed for longevity and has a sound profile that is smooth and clacky, mainly attributed to the POK's properties. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a brilliant sound profile that is described as higher-pitched and crisper. This distinction is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, allowing for more resonant acoustics, particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual aesthetics.
On the lower end, both the Akko Dracula and Jwick Ginger Milk feature nylon bottom housings, which are widely recognized as classic materials in switch design. Nylon is softer than both POK and polycarbonate, which introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The consistent choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that users can expect a similar auditory experience—characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to nylon's ability to absorb sound waves effectively. This commonality emphasizes how the switches share a comparable foundation for producing deeper sound registration, regardless of the variations present in their top housings.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials of the Dracula and Ginger Milk lead to contrast in their sound profiles, whereas their nylon bottom housings create a common auditory response. The impact of the top housing is felt when releasing the keys, contributing to the overall sound quality, while the bottom housing's characteristics define the bottom-out feel and sound. Thus, while the Dracula leans towards a smoother and clackier profile provided by the POK, the Ginger Milk offers a sharper and crisper sound due to the polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, both switches' complementary use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users will experience a rich, deep sound profile that remains consistent across both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, a distinct difference arises in their actuation and bottom out forces, ultimately affecting the typing experience. The Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing option for those who prefer minimal resistance, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which caters to users who enjoy a more substantial feel and may prefer the tactile feedback that comes with a heavier touch. This variation suggests that those who opt for the lighter Akko Dracula switch may appreciate the ease of long-duration use, while heavier switch enthusiasts might find more satisfaction with the weightier Jwick Ginger Milk. Ultimately, if you're seeking a lighter typing experience, the Dracula is the better choice, whereas the Ginger Milk provides a more robust response for those who favor heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we find distinct differences. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Dracula switch allows for a bit more depth when pressed down, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced key feel. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a quicker response time, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize faster actuation. Ultimately, users looking for a switch that provides a heftier feel in each keystroke might prefer the Akko Dracula, whereas those seeking more instantaneous feedback may opt for the Jwick Ginger Milk.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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 sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to compare directly with the Jwick Ginger Milk switch. However, the Ginger Milk is characterized by its neutral sound, offering a moderate actuation force and sound profile that makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or work. This neutrality ensures that it won't be overly distracting, making it a versatile choice for both newcomers and experienced typists.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula's characteristics are not explicitly defined, leaving an open question about its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch is noted for its buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This seamless interaction allows for an effortless and uniform typing sensation, which is particularly appealing for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch offers innovative material and design features aimed at enhancing smoothness and durability, it lacks specific descriptions for both sound and feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is recognized for its muted sound and buttery typing experience. For those seeking a well-rounded switch, the Ginger Milk provides valuable qualities, but without more detailed insights into the Dracula switch, it's hard to make a definitive comparison. However, if the Dracula's sound and feel align closely with the Ginger Milk, you could derive a similarly satisfying typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula and Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Akko Dracula's 45-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers who require quick keystrokes with minimal resistance. The use of POK material adds to its ultra-smooth feel and durability, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance and a tactile feedback experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk, with its medium-heavy 63.5-gram force, might be the better option for you. The creamy, buttery feel of these switches creates a pleasant, effortless typing experience, while their muted, neutral sound profile rounds out the appeal for both casual and professional environments. Therefore, consider your typing style, the environment in which you’ll use the keyboard, and your preferred feedback when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities that can greatly enhance your typing experience, so it’s worth trying them out to see which one resonates with you more.
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