Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the type of switch you choose can significantly affect your typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch is a linear option that emphasizes smoothness and durability, thanks to its innovative POK material construction and extra stem hole for improved airflow. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize fluid key presses without the tactile feedback of a bump. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a tactile experience that strikes a balance between tradition and modernity. With its medium-heavy weight and classic keystroke feel, the Jupiter Brown is ideal for users who enjoy a discernible bump at the actuation point, providing satisfying feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages—whether you seek the silky smoothness of the Dracula or the tactile satisfaction of the Jupiter Brown. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

Akko Dracula Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, with the Dracula utilizing POK (polyketone) and the Jupiter opting for polycarbonate. The POK material in the Dracula's top housing is characterized by its smoothness and durability, boasting a low coefficient of friction of 0.04 and exceptional wear resistance that outperforms other common plastics. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Jupiter Brown's top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference in material significantly influences the acoustic characteristics, as the POK top contributes to a smoother and more clacky sound, while the polycarbonate promotes a clearer and more resonant sound that benefits from RGB lighting effects due to its translucency.

In the bottom housing, both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Brown employ nylon, a classic choice known for its sound absorption qualities. This shared element ensures that both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer characteristics mute higher frequencies and generate a rounded auditory experience. Consequently, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches maintain a consistent acoustic sensation in their bottom-out response due to the nylon construction. This parity allows users to expect a similar auditory engagement when typing on either switch, especially since the nylon bottom plays a vital role in shaping the sound produced during keypresses.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials and the uniformity of nylon in the bottom leads to a multifaceted experience when using either switch. While the Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Brown differ in tone when keys are released—thanks to the contrasting POK and polycarbonate top housings—they converge on the sound profile when the keys bottom out. Users can achieve a satisfying harmony of auditory feedback through the distinct sound signatures provided by each switch's design. Thus, while the overall acoustic experience may vary slightly due to the differing top materials, the consistent performance of the nylon bottom housing assures a similar foundational depth and richness of sound across the two models.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various user preferences. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who favor reduced strain during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes with a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This distinction means that while the Dracula switch is better suited for prolonged use due to its lower weight, the Jupiter Brown will provide a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more robust keypress. Thus, users seeking comfort for long durations might gravitate towards the lighter Akko Dracula, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke would likely choose the heavier Gateron Jupiter Brown.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Dracula switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown’s longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional feel, offering a “hearty depth” that some users prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. Overall, if you're looking for quicker actuation, the Akko Dracula would be the better choice, while those who favor a more classic typing experience might lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Brown.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula linear switch is expected to provide a quieter keystroke compared to traditional switches, which may contribute to a more serene typing experience. However, specific sound characteristics are not mentioned, leaving the precise acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a more pronounced acoustic quality due to its tactile bump. While it may not be excessively loud, the Jupiter Brown's clicky response offers a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory cues during typing. The overall sound experience with both switches will also vary based on the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is known for its ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability thanks to the POK material used, which likely results in a fluid and pleasant keystroke experience. The added stem hole contributes to improved airflow and smoothness, further enhancing the typing feel. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is characterized by its mild and polished texture, offering a gentle typing experience that sits comfortably in a middle-ground zone. The medium-heavy weight and stepped design of the Jupiter Brown provide distinctive tactile feedback without being overly aggressive, allowing for a more approachable typing experience for users transitioning from various switch types.

In conclusion, while both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique strengths. The Dracula is all about an ultra-smooth and quiet experience, ideal for those who prefer a linear switch, while the Jupiter Brown provides a blend of traditional tactile feedback and mildness that many typists find reassuring. If you seek a seamless typing feel with durability, the Dracula may be the right choice, but if you enjoy tactile feedback and auditory cues, the Jupiter Brown would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and lightweight typing experience, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice due to its light bottom-out force of 45 grams and the innovative POK material design that promotes durability and smoothness. These switches are perfect for those who enjoy soft keystrokes and a quieter typing environment that suits both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Brown, with its medium-heavy 70-gram force, offers a more classic feel. The mild and polished characteristics of the Jupiter Brown make it a great option for typists who enjoy a gradual tactile bump that engages the senses without being overwhelming. Furthermore, the stepped nature of these switches provides a satisfying response that balances tradition and performance, suitable for both everyday use and gaming. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and sound preferences to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Dracula Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more