Akko Dracula vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision can often be influenced by the unique characteristics each switch offers. The Akko Dracula switch distinguishes itself with its innovative POK material construction, providing ultra-smooth typing and exceptional durability. Its design, featuring an extra stem hole, enhances airflow and smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a seamless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switch is celebrated for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, which caters to users who prioritize speed and ease of keystrokes. With a satisfying clacky sound and a lively typing experience, these switches are particularly well-suited for rapid typists and gamers alike. With both switches offering distinct advantages—smooth elegance from the Akko Dracula and a spirited, effortless feel from the TTC Gold Pink—your choice will largely depend on your personal typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Pink switches, distinct differences in their top housings are notable. The Dracula employs a POK (polyketone) material, which is recognized for its superior durability and smoothness. With a lower coefficient of friction at 0.04, it offers a slight edge in tactile response compared to the Gold Pink's top housing made of polycarbonate, which typically exhibits a firmer feel due to its stiff composition. While the POK material enhances a clacky sound profile thanks to its resilience and kinetic properties, the polycarbonate top allows for a sharper and crisper sound experience, particularly suited for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Thus, while both materials contribute to swift and smooth functionality in their ways, the overall auditory experiences diverge markedly between the two switches.
Conversely, both the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Pink share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. The use of nylon in both switches leads to a consistent quality of sound production, as it absorbs sound effectively, generating a deeper and fuller audio profile. This shared characteristic ensures that switching performance remains similar in terms of sound dampening, regardless of the differences observed in the top housing materials. Consequently, while users might notice key differences in the top sounds when the key is released, the overall feel and sound signature upon bottoming out the switches remain harmonized due to the nylon composition.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials between the top and bottom housings of each switch creates an interesting balance in auditory experience. While the Dracula's POK top promotes a smoother tactile excursion with a more pronounced clackiness, the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top offers clarity and resonance fitting for visually enhanced applications. However, both switches maintain a solid foundation thanks to the nylon bottom housing, which harmonizes the overall sound output and provides a more profound auditory experience upon actuation. This combination of different top materials with a shared nylon base illustrates how the design and material choices can profoundly influence the character of mechanical switches, yielding diverse yet comparable user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, both exhibit a light weight, catering to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. The Akko Dracula has an actuation force of 35 grams, while the TTC Gold Pink requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 37 grams. Interestingly, both switches feature the same bottom out force of 45 grams, meaning that regardless of the actuation differences, users will feel a comparable resistance when fully pressing the keys down. Overall, the lighter Akko Dracula will appeal to those who favor a delicate touch, while the TTC Gold Pink might provide a marginally stronger push feel, suiting users who appreciate a bit more feedback without venturing into heavier switch territory.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Pink switch provides a more traditional depth, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula switch may be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you opt for the shorter Akko Dracula switch, you might find it delivers a more responsive experience, whereas the TTC Gold Pink's longer travel distance caters to users who prefer a deeper and more deliberate keystroke.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 delivers a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, making it well-suited for shared spaces where noise levels are a concern. While the specific sound profile is not detailed, its focus on smoothness and airflow suggests that it likely produces a gentler sound compared to more tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a more vibrant auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This distinct sound profile contributes to a lively interaction, appealing especially to gamers and fast typists who enjoy an audible response to their keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is designed to provide an ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its POK material and innovative design features, such as the extra stem hole that enhances airflow. While the specific descriptors for the Dracula's feel are not outlined, its emphasis on smoothness hints at a very fluid and pleasant keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switches present a buttery and polished feel. Users can expect a gentle resistance that is both mild and subtle, delivering a relaxed yet responsive typing sensation. This makes them particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount, as they allow for effortless key presses without excessive fatigue.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and TTC Gold Pink switches have their unique strengths, catering to different preferences among users. The Dracula focuses on providing a smooth, quiet experience, ideal for environments where noise is a factor, while the Gold Pink switches offer a lighter, more vibrant feel and sound that suits fast-paced typing and gaming. Depending on your needs, you can expect high-quality performance from either switch, with the potential for a satisfying typing experience that's tailored to your specific desires, especially if you appreciate smoothness or audibility in your keystrokes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, your decision should align with your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, durable experience with enhanced airflow, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent choice. Its ultra-smooth typing feel, thanks to the POK material and its polished finish, makes it suitable for those who appreciate a refined and consistent keystroke. Conversely, if you're looking for a typing experience that's not only light but also quick and responsive, the TTC Gold Pink might be the better option for you. With a slightly lower actuation force and a buttery feel, these switches are tailored for rapid typing and gaming, delivering a lively and engaging sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a well-rounded, smooth feel or a more dynamic and effortlessly responsive typing experience.
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