Akko Dracula vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and HMX Gravel stand out as notable linear options, each boasting unique characteristics to enhance the typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, promising durability and a remarkably smooth typing sensation. Its clever design features an extra stem hole that facilitates improved airflow, resulting in an even silkier operation. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switch offers an exceptional smoothness and a refined feel that makes it a favorite among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. With its medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter side, the Gravel delivers a responsive and effortless typing experience, combining a soft touch with a satisfying smoothness. While both switches cater to those seeking a linear switch experience, they each bring something different to the table in terms of feel and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Dracula and HMX Gravel switches offer a fascinating comparison, particularly when we examine their top housings. The Dracula's top housing is crafted from POK (polyketone), which is hailed for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a friction coefficient of 0.04—marginally higher than that of LY—and boasting wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM, POK ensures a smooth actuation with a robust lifespan. In contrast, the Gravel employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, their primary contributions are different: POK provides a smooth, clacky experience, while polycarbonate emphasizes a clear and resonant auditory feedback. However, both materials demonstrate the ability to create exciting and dynamic typing experiences, albeit in differing tonal directions.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Akko Dracula and HMX Gravel utilize nylon—arguably a classic choice among mechanical switches. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs vibrations that would otherwise lead to a sharper tone. Since both switches feature nylon at the bottom, they share the same foundational auditory characteristics. This means that the overall musicality of the switches stems from the cushy nature of nylon, which creates a rounder sound profile regardless of the unique qualities brought in by their respective top housings. The nylon bottom housing serves as a stabilizing force for both switches, ensuring that regardless of the top material's characteristics, a deep and rich auditory experience is achieved when bottoming out.
If we consider the combination of these different materials, the Akko Dracula and HMX Gravel switches create unique results by capitalizing on the properties of their respective housings. While they share a common bottom housing material in nylon, the contrasting top housing materials—POK and polycarbonate—suggest that the sound profile will differ upon key release, with the Dracula offering a smoother audio finish and the Gravel emphasizing brightness. Therefore, users can expect a diverse range of sound signatures based on the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials. The experience of actuating these two switches becomes a reflection of both their respective materials' design philosophy and the subtle nuances that arise from the interplay between the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, one can observe distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Gravel has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and appreciate the feedback from a firmer keypress. In summary, while both switches are categorized as light, the Akko Dracula is lighter overall compared to the HMX Gravel, which may influence a user's preference based on their typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Akko Dracula boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the HMX Gravel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Dracula switch provides a slightly deeper keypress, which might feel more substantial to users who prefer a hearty depth during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gravel, with its shorter travel distance, can offer a more responsive feel, potentially appealing to gamers looking for quicker actuation times. Ultimately, those who favor a more pronounced keypress might opt for the Akko Dracula, while those desiring faster responsiveness might prefer the HMX Gravel.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the Dracula is noted for its ultra-smooth typing experience, which often suggests it produces a more muted, subdued sound profile. Meanwhile, the Gravel switch emphasizes its exceptional smoothness, which typically translates to a clean and pleasant audible feedback during typing. However, it’s important to remember that the sound characteristics of any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula linear switch is designed with POK material, which contributes to a notably smooth typing experience combined with enhanced durability. This results in a comfortable, fluid keystroke that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, leaning towards the lighter side, which provides a responsive and effortless typing experience. While both switches provide smoothness, the Dracula may feel slightly firmer due to its design elements compared to the lighter and more responsive nature of the Gravel.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and HMX Gravel linear switches excel in smoothness but present different attributes that cater to individual preferences. The Dracula focuses on ultra-smooth typing paired with durability, while the Gravel offers a more effortless keystroke with its lighter actuation force. Thus, for those looking for something in between, either switch could be modified or paired with different keycaps and boards to create a customized typing experience, ultimately achieving similar satisfying results in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, your decision can greatly depend on your specific typing preferences and usage. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and are in search of a switch that offers ultra-smooth typing with excellent durability thanks to its POK material construction, then the Akko Dracula is an ideal choice. Its innovative design with an extra stem hole enhances airflow and smoothness, making it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions where comfort and responsiveness are paramount. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly firmer feel while still enjoying a smooth typing experience, the HMX Gravel switch would be your best bet. The Gravel's refined design offers a responsive actuation with a satisfying tactile feel, making it a strong option if you value both feedback and ease of use. Ultimately, your selection will hinge on whether you lean towards the ultra-smooth experience of the Akko Dracula or the balanced responsiveness of the HMX Gravel.
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