Akko Dracula vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for a mechanical keyboard, both the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Silver offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative POK material and unique design, which incorporates an extra stem hole for enhanced airflow and ultra-smooth typing experiences, making it an excellent choice for users seeking durability and a silky typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is engineered for rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that creates a satisfying, decisive bottom-out with each keystroke. This switch combines speed and a resonant sound signature, delivering a smooth journey from initial press to bottoming out, which is particularly appealing for gamers and fast typists. Both switches are exceptional in their own right, with the Dracula appealing to those prioritizing smoothness and durability, while the Gold Silver caters to users favoring speed and acoustic feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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 housing materials used in the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Silver switches exhibit both differences and similarities that directly influence the sound and feel of each switch. The Dracula's top housing is made from POK material, which is known for its low friction coefficient and outstanding durability. This contributes to a smooth and clacky typing experience, while also ensuring extraordinary wear resistance and shock resistance when compared to traditional materials such as Nylon or POM. In contrast, the Gold Silver's top housing utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic celebrated for its higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This difference suggests that while the Dracula’s POK material facilitates a smooth experience, the Gold Silver’s polycarbonate amplifies vibrations for a distinct auditory response enhanced by its clearer resonance, making each switch sound unique.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, there is notable consistency. Both the Akko Dracula and TTC Gold Silver use nylon for their bottom housing material, which is revered in the keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing will contribute similarly to both switches, grounding them in the classic soundscape associated with nylon constructions. This commonality ensures that users will still enjoy a robust acoustic characteristic when bottoming out on either switch.
In summary, the main contrast between the Akko Dracula and the TTC Gold Silver lies in their respective top housing materials—POK versus polycarbonate—which significantly influences the sound profile experienced during key releases. POK provides a smooth, clacky response, while polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness. Nonetheless, both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, which provides a rich, deep sound that stabilizes their overall tonal quality. The combination of distinct top materials and the commonality of nylon in the bottoms signifies how the unique properties attributed to each housing contribute to a versatile and multifaceted typing experience across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation forces. The Akko Dracula has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to press and more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it reduces fatigue for users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that may appeal to those who prefer a heavier switch for typing or gaming. The bottom out force of the Dracula is 45 grams, indicating that it provides a consistent feedback when pressed fully down, while the TTC Gold Silver's bottom out force is unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparison. Overall, if you desire a switch with a lighter actuation force, the Akko Dracula is the better choice, while the TTC Gold Silver offers a heftier actuation for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, the Akko Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gold Silver the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that is often favored by gamers for faster key presses. In contrast, the slightly longer travel distance of the Dracula switch may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keystroke, giving a more pronounced feel during use. For users who prioritize response time, the TTC Gold Silver's shorter travel distance may be the better choice, while those seeking a more substantial key press might find the Dracula more satisfying.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch provides a thocky sound profile characterized by a deep, rich tone akin to a soft thud or knock upon actuation. This low-pitched quality offers a bass-heavy resonance that can create a satisfying auditory feedback experience while typing. The neutral sound signature of the Gold Silver makes it versatile for both personal and professional environments, suiting a wide range of users and settings. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound characteristics may vary, but you can anticipate a more pronounced auditory experience with the Gold Silver compared to the unspecified qualities of the Dracula.
Regarding feel, the details surrounding the Akko Dracula switch are not provided. However, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out as exceptionally polished and silky, ensuring a sleek typing experience. This design promotes reduced friction and minimal resistance throughout the keystroke journey, allowing for smooth key travel. Additionally, its mild and subtle characteristics mean the typing sensation is gentle and approachable, making it suitable for extended use. The delightful tactile response from the Gold Silver enhances overall user satisfaction, reinforcing the switch's reputation for providing a seamless interaction with the keyboard.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptors, the TTC Gold Silver offers a pronounced auditory and tactile experience characterized by its thocky sound and smooth, polished feel. Those seeking a steady typing experience with responsive feedback may prefer the attributes of the Gold Silver. If you are looking for similar outcomes with the Dracula switch, expect a smooth performance due to materials used in its construction, though the exact auditory qualities and tactile sensations remain unknown. Ultimately, personal preference will play a critical role in determining the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a light typing experience combined with smoothness and durability, the Akko Dracula switch would be an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force makes it particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions or for those who prefer a feather-light touch as they type. Additionally, its advanced materials and airflow design contribute to a more comfortable feel, making it ideal for a quieter office setting where subtle sound is appreciated. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that enhances your gaming performance with rapid responsiveness and a satisfying tactile sound profile, the TTC Gold Silver is the way to go. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a thocky sound signature, gives you both the feedback and auditory pleasure that can enhance your overall experience, especially in fast-paced scenarios. In essence, choose the Akko Dracula for a smooth and subtle typing experience at work or casual use, while the TTC Gold Silver would better suit you if you are an avid gamer seeking speed, precision, and a more pronounced auditory satisfaction.