Akko Dracula vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the switch you choose can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Akko Dracula switch is a linear switch celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, made possible by its innovative POK material in both the top case and stem. This design not only enhances durability but also introduces an extra stem hole, allowing for improved airflow and an even smoother keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a different sensation altogether, combining a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump that elevates typing to an art form. This tactile experience is crafted to merge both a satisfying feel and responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy feedback with their keystrokes. Whether you lean towards the fluidity of the Dracula or the nuanced feedback of the Ice King, each switch has unique attributes to consider. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Durock Ice King Tactile, an interesting juxtaposition arises, particularly in their top housings. The Akko Dracula features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is characterized by its exceptional smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a higher coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to both Nylon (0.03) and POM, it promises a unique tactile feel during typing while ensuring longevity due to its remarkable wear resistance. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile is crafted with a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound better than other materials. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, giving users a distinctly different acoustic experience despite both switch designs providing satisfying typing sensations.
Looking at the bottom housings, both switches share the same nylon material for their respective bottom pieces. Nylon is well-regarded for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a rounded sound and cushioned bottom-out feel. This uniformity in the bottom housings ensures that users will experience similar auditory feedback regardless of which switch they choose. This shared material adds consistency to the overall sound and feel of the switches, focusing more on how the bottom housing influences the tactile response when a key is pressed entirely down.
Ultimately, while the Akko Dracula and Durock Ice King Tactile differ significantly in their top housing materials—leading to distinct external sound profiles—their matching nylon bottom housings create a harmonious acoustic foundation that aligns their performance in terms of bottoming out. With the POK top housing of the Dracula providing a smooth and durable experience and the nylon top of the Ice King promoting a thicker and rounded auditory experience, users can enjoy substantially different tactile dynamics without sacrificing the comforting depth of sound brought by the nylon bases in both switches. Thus, despite their differences, the craftsmanship of these switches can generate similar results in terms of the satisfying sound profile and tactile feedback, showcasing the intricacies of material combinations in keyboard design.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula requires a light actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile has a significantly heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. This medium-heavy resistance offers a more substantial typing experience, catering to users who enjoy a firmer push feel in their keystrokes. As a result, the Akko Dracula is better suited for those seeking comfort during extended use, while the Durock Ice King may appeal to those who favor a more tactile and pronounced keystroke feedback. Thus, when selecting between the two, users should consider their typing preferences and whether they prioritize lightness or a firmer touch in their keyboard experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, it's clear that the two differ slightly. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Dracula switch offers a more pronounced depth for users who enjoy a hearty feel when pressing down, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less abrupt keypress. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference; if quickness is prioritized, the Durock switch may be the better option, whereas those who appreciate a deeper feel might lean towards the Akko switch.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 somewhat undefined as specific auditory characteristics have not been detailed. However, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise that creates a subtle acoustic signature. This means that while the Ice King Tactile will provide a tactile feedback, it won’t be overly pronounced in its auditory presentation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter experience without sacrificing the satisfying click of a tactile switch. Overall, the Ice King Tactile’s sound profile may be more pleasant for those in shared spaces or environments where noise is a consideration.
When looking at the feel of both switches, the Akko Dracula switch is noted for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by the innovative POK material used in its construction. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a varied tactile experience characterized by its silky texture, frictionless action, stepped feedback, and polished finish. The Ice King Tactile’s pronounced tactile bump creates distinct stages within the keystroke, allowing typists to engage with it in a way that combines smoothness with tactile satisfaction. While the Dracula emphasizes smoothness in its feel, the Ice King Tactile offers a more complex typing experience, blending smooth travel with tactile feedback that provides both comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Akko Dracula switch presents a focused ultra-smooth typing feel, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch delivers a more textured and tactile experience. The sound profile of the Ice King Tactile offers a quieter typing experience, appealing to those who prefer subdued acoustics. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences within the keyboard community: the Dracula is ideal for users seeking uninterrupted smoothness, while the Ice King Tactile is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile sensation combined with smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silky smooth experience or a satisfying tactile feedback during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light touch and crave a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force means you can type quickly and effortlessly, making it great for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions, while the Akko’s unique POK material enhances both the durability and overall tactile experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke, the Ice King Tactile should be your go-to. With its medium-heavy 68-gram force and its silky, polished feel, this switch provides a satisfying bump that can give you an added sense of assurance with each press, which can be particularly beneficial for typists who rely on tactile cues for accuracy. Additionally, the subdued sound profile of the Ice King makes it suitable for quieter environments, while the Akko Dracula’s silent nature complements those who prefer a minimalistic auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize lightweight smoothness or tactile engagement in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
