Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, two notable options to consider are the Akko Dracula, a linear switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, thanks to its innovative POK material and extra stem hole design, which not only enhances durability but also facilitates improved airflow. As a linear switch, the Dracula provides a seamless keystroke without tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted typing flow. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer a distinct tactile feel, characterized by their high-precision molds and soft backlight effects. With two-stage springs, these switches provide a satisfying tactile bump and a robust return action, appealing to users who enjoy feedback during typing, especially for gaming and coding. Both switches have their unique appeal: the Dracula for smoothness and whisper-quiet performance, and the Jupiter Banana for tactile feedback and a responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Dracula Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which affects the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. The Dracula employs a POK material for its top housing, known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a friction coefficient of 0.04, it enhances the smoothness of key presses, creating a clacky sound that is highly regarded among typing enthusiasts. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana leverages polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer plastic contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, appealing to users who prefer a crisper auditory feedback. While the Dracula’s POK material portrays a smoothness ideal for quick typing, the Jupiter Banana would pique the interest of users who prioritize sound clarity, especially in RGB setups due to the translucent nature of polycarbonate.

Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Dracula and Jupiter Banana incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon, a classic choice for switch housing materials, imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is consistent across both switches. This similarity in bottom housing effectively creates a base of sound absorption and resonance, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when the switches bottom out. Therefore, regardless of the contrasting top materials, both switches benefit from the properties of nylon at the lower end, which helps maintain a consistent sound signature when pressing the keys.

Ultimately, while the Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches diverge in their top housing materials, their bottom housings provide a common acoustic foundation. This interplay means that though users may experience different sound profiles when they press down on the keys due to the distinct top housings, the overall acoustic experience remains anchored by the nylon bottom. For those who appreciate the unique characteristics of each material, both switches promise distinct yet fulfilling typing experiences. This allows enthusiasts to choose a model based on their preferred sound and tactile feedback while appreciating the shared durability and sound quality that nylon housing imparts.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The Akko Dracula features a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a keyboard that is easy on the fingers during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana has a notably heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. This medium-heavy feel caters to users who enjoy a more substantial push when typing, providing a tactile feedback that some find satisfying. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter experience, the Akko Dracula is the better option, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana is suited for those who favor a stronger force for a more tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the differences are quite clear. The Dracula boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, offering a more pronounced depth that some users may find preferable for a tactile feel. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, which might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. This means that for those who favor a more responsive typing experience, the Jupiter Banana would be the better choice, while the Dracula would cater to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke depth. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that feels more abrupt and quick, the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana is ideal, whereas the longer travel distance of the Dracula suits those who enjoy a hearty, deliberate key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula switch's characteristics are not explicitly detailed, leaving an air of mystery regarding its auditory profile. However, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as having a high-pitched and resonant sound, which contributes to a sharp and crisp auditory experience. This aspect can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a cleaner and more defined sound when typing, distinguishing the Jupiter Banana as a lively option that may enhance the overall typing experience depending on the choice of board and keycaps.

When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Akko Dracula lacks specific descriptors but is known for its ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its POK material. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is characterized by its polished and creamy texture. This results in a refined and luxurious typing experience, giving users a sensation that can be described as smooth and buttery. While exact comparisons in terms of feel are not made for the Dracula, both switches promise reduced friction and enhanced smoothness, which may yield similar delightful user experiences.

In summary, while the Akko Dracula switch remains somewhat enigmatic in terms of its sound and feel, it is known for its ultra-smooth performance and durability. The Gateron Jupiter Banana switch offers a distinct high-pitched and resonant sound, along with a polished and creamy tactile experience. When it comes to overall performance, both switches can provide a delightful typing experience with their focus on smoothness and precision, making either a great choice for a newcomer venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and application. If you gravitate towards a lighter typing experience with an ultra-smooth feel, complemented by enhanced durability and airflow, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent option. It’s particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming, where you might prefer to maintain speed and a soft touch without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a polished, creamy feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch would be your best bet. The combination of its strong tactile response and sharper auditory experience makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress or want to experience the satisfaction of tactile feedback while typing. Overall, consider the contexts in which you’ll be using your keyboard; for quiet, efficient work, opt for the acoustic and tactile smoothness of the Dracula, while for a more engaging and responsive typing experience, the Jupiter Banana would serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Dracula Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more