Akko Dracula vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the distinct characteristics of options like the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Brown Pro can greatly enhance your typing experience. The Akko Dracula, categorized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing feel, enhanced by innovative POK material and an extra stem hole designed for improved airflow and durability. This makes it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who prioritize rapid key presses without tactile interruption. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out as a tactile switch, delivering a gentle yet noticeable bump that allows typists to engage with a more nuanced feedback experience. Its subdued sound profile ensures that each keystroke resonates softly, making it ideal for those who prefer an understated touch while maintaining focus on their tasks. Both switches cater to different typing preferences—whether you crave seamless action or a subtle tactile interaction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Brown Pro exhibit distinct variations in their top housing materials, each yielding unique auditory experiences while also sharing similarities in the bottom housing. The Dracula utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material celebrated for its smoothness, durability, and robust sound profile. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a responsive and smooth keystroke, resulting in a switch that feels both pleasant and clacky. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, contributing to a visually striking aesthetic. While both materials enhance user experience, they diverge in sound characteristics, with POK leaning towards a smoother feel and clacky tone, whereas polycarbonate offers clarity and resonance.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both models feature nylon, a traditional choice revered for its sound absorption qualities. The shared nylon composition means that both the Dracula and Gold Brown Pro benefit from the deeper and fuller sound profiles associated with this softer plastic. This creates a harmonious connection between the two, as the bottom housing's influence impacts the overall typing experience similarly, regardless of their top housing differences. The impact of the nylon can be felt in the bottom-out sound and sensation, providing a consistent tactile experience.
Ultimately, while the differences in top housing materials lead to unique sound profiles—POK's smoothness versus polycarbonate’s clarity—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a bridge, ensuring that both switches yield a full, rounded sound upon key press. This design variation allows users to choose based on tactile preference, while still receiving comparable auditory results due to the fundamental qualities of the nylon used in both models. Therefore, those seeking either clacky responsiveness or clearer resonance will find satisfaction in both options, albeit through different auditory pathways brought forth by their distinct top housings.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces, with the Dracula switch being notably lighter. The Akko Dracula features an actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to press and more comfortable for long typing sessions, while its bottom out force is 45 grams. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a firmer typing experience that some users may prefer for its more substantial feel. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro remains unknown, which limits direct comparison in that regard. As a result, those who favor a lighter switch for extensive use would likely gravitate toward the Akko Dracula, whereas users seeking a heavier push might find the TTC Gold Brown Pro more appealing.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm. As a result, users of both switches will experience the same keypress depth when pressing down, leading to similar tactile feedback during use. This uniformity in travel distance means that the overall typing experience will be comparable in terms of how far each switch travels, making either switch a fitting choice for those looking for consistent keypress responses.
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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 comparing the sound quality of the Akko Dracula linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the differences are quite notable. While the specific sound profile of the Dracula switch is not detailed, the Gold Brown Pro is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound. This low-pitched thock provides a rich and satisfying auditory experience, particularly appealing to those who appreciate a deeper tone without being overly loud. The subtlety of the Gold Brown Pro ensures that even in shared or quiet environments, the sound remains relatively unobtrusive, allowing for an immersive typing experience. Thus, users of the Gold Brown Pro can enjoy a keystroke that communicates assurance without drawing excessive attention.
Regarding feel, the Akko Dracula switch boasts ultra-smooth typing thanks to its POK material and innovative stem design, which promotes a seamless key press. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a polished and silky typing experience, alongside a mild and subtle tactile response. The tactile bump in the Gold Brown Pro is designed to be gentle, allowing typists to experience feedback without harshness, while still maintaining a smooth transition throughout the keystroke. In contrast, while the Dracula switch's feel is described as ultra-smooth, it does not contain tactile feedback, making it distinctly different from the more tactile sensation offered by the Gold Brown Pro. This makes the Dracula more suited for those who prefer a linear feel, while the Gold Brown Pro will cater to users who enjoy a hint of tactile feedback while remaining understated.
In conclusion, the Akko Dracula linear switch and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro’s thocky and subdued sound contrasts with the unknown audio characteristics of the Dracula, which is likely to be quieter given its linear nature. When it comes to feel, the Dracula excels with its ultra-smooth typing, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a more nuanced tactile feedback that is subtle and mild. Consequently, while both switches provide excellent options, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference concerning sound and tactile feedback, leading each typist to select the switch that best suits their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, your personal typing preferences and the environment you plan to use the keyboard in should guide your decision. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with an emphasis on minimal resistance and a whisper-quiet operation, the Akko Dracula is likely the better choice for you. Its innovative POK material and unique design elements provide an ultra-smooth feel that enhances your overall typing efficiency, making it suitable for marathon typing sessions or gaming without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle tactile response that enriches your typing experience without being intrusive, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is an excellent option. Its gentle tactile bump and low-pitched, thocky sound provide a satisfying feedback loop without disrupting your focus, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept low. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the acoustics of your environment, and how much feedback you want from your switches when making your final decision.
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