Akko Dracula vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Akko Dracula and the Bsun Jade Rosales are two excellent linear switch options worth considering. The Akko Dracula switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, which enhances durability while providing an ultra-smooth typing feel. Its unique design includes an extra stem hole to improve airflow, further amplifying the smoothness of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, developed by XY Studio, boast meticulous refinements over a year, resulting in custom housings and stems that deliver a notably smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Often described with terms like "bouncy," "clacky," and "creamy," the Jade Rosales offers a distinctive character that sets it apart from other linear switches. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Akko Dracula emphasizing durability and smoothness, while the Jade Rosales focuses on a more nuanced typing feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and the Bsun Jade Rosales utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinctive auditory experiences and tactile feedback. The Dracula's top housing is made from POK, or polyketone, which offers a smooth, clacky sound profile while maintaining high durability and wear resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides an optimal balance between smoothness and control. In contrast, the Jade Rosales utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature amplifies higher frequencies, providing a clearer resonance that benefits RGB lighting aesthetics due to its translucence. Hence, while both switches can produce an engaging sound, each offers a different character—warm and clacky for the Dracula versus bright and defined for the Jade Rosales.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Akko Dracula employs traditional nylon, while the Bsun Jade Rosales is crafted from a proprietary blend termed "Custom Milky Material." The nylon used in the Dracula is known for absorbing sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience which enhances the overall tactile feedback. This contrasts with the Jade Rosales's custom material, the specific properties of which remain less defined but suggest a careful engineering approach aimed at balancing performance and sound characteristics. This divergence sets the stage for different tactile experiences; while the Dracula's bottom housing emphasizes warmth and a rounded sound profile, the Jade Rosales's custom blend likely seeks to achieve a unique sound signature and performance quality that may mirror attributes of nylon or even enhance them further through its proprietary design.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials in both switches leads to a rich exploration of sound and feel. Although the Akko Dracula and the Bsun Jade Rosales employ distinct materials, they each contribute their unique characteristics to the overall user experience. The POK material of the Dracula and the polycarbonate housing of the Jade Rosales produce varying resonances that interact with their bottom housings differently, shaping the sound and feel of each press. While you may enjoy a warm and deep typing experience with the Dracula, the Jade Rosales could offer a crisper and sharper sound, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their preference for auditory feedback. Despite the differences, both switches promise quality and performance, emphasizing that material choice plays a crucial role in the final acoustic profile and tactile experience of a mechanical switch.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch present a noticeable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their overall typing experience. The Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer effortless typing and extended use, such as in long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which offers a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for its tactile feedback. While the Jade Rosales is classified as medium-light, it is still heavier than the Dracula switch, making it less ideal for long periods of typing for some users. In summary, the Akko Dracula is lighter overall, catering to users who favor ease of use, while the Bsun Jade Rosales provides a firmer feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there is a distinct difference between the two. The Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jade Rosales measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Jade Rosales the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that is often favored by gamers seeking faster key presses. In contrast, the Akko Dracula with its longer travel distance may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, as it offers a deeper engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference; if you prefer more responsiveness, the Jade Rosales is the suitable choice, while the Dracula is ideal for a more pronounced typing experience.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 has not been explicitly described, leaving its auditory characteristics open to interpretation. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch is noted for its clacky sound profile, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. The crisp, bright, and percussive sound of the Jade Rosales provides a more dynamic auditory feedback compared to the undecided sound of the Dracula, making it a more engaging choice for users who appreciate the auditory feedback of their typing.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch lacks a specific description, which means its tactile response is ambiguous. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales is recognized for its unique bouncy feel and creamy smoothness. The bouncy characteristic provides a spring-like feedback sensation, creating a lively typing experience with noticeable rebound upon actuation. Coupled with its creamy texture, the Jade Rosales ensures a silky, effortless glide across the keys, making it a highly satisfying switch to type on if the user enjoys a plush tactile sensation during use.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch remains somewhat of a mystery in both sound and feel, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch presents a well-defined auditory and tactile profile with its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel. If your preference leans towards a more dynamic auditory feedback and a smooth, engaging typing experience, the Jade Rosales will certainly meet those expectations. However, if you value novelty, the Dracula switch may still deliver its charm, though its qualities are less defined. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the known attributes of the Jade Rosales or are intrigued by the potential of the Akko Dracula.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force for quick, effortless typing, the Akko Dracula switch is your best bet. Its innovative construction with POK material ensures a smooth experience, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming where speed is key. However, if you desire a bit more resistance and enjoy a lively, bouncy feel in your keystrokes, then the Jade Rosales switch may be more to your liking. Its signature clacky sound adds a percussive quality that can enhance the overall typing experience, while its creamy texture provides a luxurious, buttery sensation. In summary, go for the Akko Dracula if you seek smoothness and lightness in your keystrokes, or choose the Bsun Jade Rosales if you value a bit more feedback and audible satisfaction in your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision will shape how you interact with your keyboard, so choose the switch that best aligns with your tactile and auditory preferences.
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