Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, both the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Ink Yellow present unique features that cater to different needs. The Akko Dracula, renowned for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, offers an ultra-smooth typing experience paired with exceptional durability, enhanced further by its unique extra stem hole designed for improved airflow. This makes the Dracula an excellent choice for those seeking a premium, long-lasting switch that can withstand extensive use. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow is appreciated for its shorter travel, making it an ideal option for users wanting a typing feel akin to that of a laptop but with the satisfying clackiness of a mechanical keyboard. Its smoothness and mild feedback can be particularly appealing for typists who prefer a balanced and responsive experience. Both switches have their merits, attractive to different types of users. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches, notable distinctions and similarities emerge. The Dracula employs a top housing made from polyketone (POK), offering a relatively low coefficient of friction, which enhances the smoothness of the key presses. This material is not only smooth but also remarkably strong and durable, with its wear resistance significantly outperforming that of POM and its shock resistance exceeding that of nylon. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow's top housing is crafted from a proprietary INK blend. While the detailed properties of this blend are not explicitly outlined like the POK, the sound profile produced — being characterized as pointed yet not overly sharp — suggests that it also focuses on delivering a finely tuned auditory experience. The smoother feel contributed by POK in the Dracula may lead to a different tactile sensation compared to the Ink Yellow, which emphasizes a higher-pitched sound profile.
The bottom housing presents an even starker contrast between these two models. The Akko Dracula utilizes nylon, a traditional choice for switch housings known for its sound absorption properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving the typist a sense of fullness and roundness during keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow maintains a consistent sound profile with its proprietary INK blend used for both top and bottom housing, characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone. If one were to evaluate the sound and feel of these switches, the Dracula would provide a more subdued acoustic experience from the bottom housing due to nylon's softer nature, while the Ink Yellow would consistently produce a crisper and more lively response.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switch designs yields different tactile and auditory experiences. While the Akko Dracula's polyketone top housing contributes to a smoother action, its nylon bottom emphasizes a deep sound. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Yellow showcases a unified approach with its INK blend, granting it a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile across both housings. If one were to seek similar auditory results between the two, they could use the smoothness of the Dracula's POK in conjunction with the clacky auditory signature of the Ink Yellow to create a hybrid that merges durability with an engaging sound. Such adaptability may provide users with a unique tactile and auditory experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial, tactile typing feel. This distinction implies that while the Dracula is designed for ease of use, the Ink Yellow offers a firmer push, which some users may find more satisfying. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that promotes less strain in extensive typing scenarios, the Akko Dracula would be the ideal choice, whereas if you seek a robust typing experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be preferable.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Ink Yellow may be the better choice due to its reduced distance, catering well to gamers who favor quicker key presses for enhanced performance. Conversely, the Dracula's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced depth, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance indicates that the Dracula offers a more traditional, deeper experience, whereas the Ink Yellow leans towards a snappier, more rapid feel.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
The sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch remains somewhat ambiguous, but it is likely to be more muted or subdued given its design focus on smoothness and durability. This is contrasted with the Gateron Ink Yellow, which offers a notably clacky sound. The Ink Yellow’s sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the auditory feedback typical of mechanical switches. While the exact sound of the Dracula is unknown, its likely muted character compared to the pronounced clackiness of the Ink Yellow offers a unique auditory experience depending on user preference.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is renowned for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by its innovative design and the use of POK material in its construction. This encourages a seamless key press, ideal for users who prioritize ease and fluidity while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a mild feel that is both approachable and polished, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Its refined finish and gentle characteristics result in a relaxed typing experience, bridging the gap between the feel of a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard.
In summary, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Ink Yellow switches cater to different preferences in both sound and typing feel. The Dracula leans towards a more understated auditory experience with an emphasis on a smooth typing action, while the Ink Yellow shines with its lively clackiness and mild yet polished feel. Depending on your preferences, these switches can deliver unique experiences; if you seek a quieter and smoother option, the Dracula might be the right choice, whereas for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback, the Ink Yellow could be ideal. Each switch brings something distinctively satisfying to the table, ensuring that you can find a switch that aligns with your personal typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch depends largely on your preferences for typing force, sound, and tactile feel. If you prefer a light switch that provides ultra-smooth typing with an enhanced airflow design, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who favor a nimble and quick typing experience, particularly if you often type for extended periods and appreciate a smooth, less taxing feel on your fingers. This switch is perfect for users who might be more sensitive to resistance and want a quieter, less distracting environment—making it suitable for home or office use where a muted sound profile is preferable.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more pronounced typing experience with a bit more heft, the Gateron Ink Yellow, with its 67-gram bottom-out force, would be the better option for you. Its clacky sound profile provides an engaging auditory feedback that many users enjoy, making it great for both gaming and typing. The Ink Yellow's shorter travel distance offers a satisfactory middle ground, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile feel similar to that of a laptop keyboard while still reveling in the qualities of a high-performance mechanical switch. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not just the resistance level you are comfortable with, but also the auditory and tactile sensations you desire in your typing experience.
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