Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Jupiter Red

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Red offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences while sharing a linear design for a smooth keystroke experience. The Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative POK material and extra stem hole, providing ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability, making it an excellent option for users seeking a longer-lasting and more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red is celebrated for its seamless keystrokes and medium-heavy actuation, facilitated by its single-stage spring and high-precision molds, which appeal to those prioritizing consistency and a polished, soft backlight experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Dracula emphasizing durability and performance, while the Jupiter Red focuses on smoothness and user experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Akko Dracula Linear

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Jupiter Red, notable distinctions and similarities arise, particularly in the top housing. The Akko Dracula utilizes POK material for its top housing, known for its low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability, offering smooth, clacky, and long-lasting performance. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Thus, while the Dracula aims for smoothness and durability, the Jupiter Red prioritizes sound clarity and resonance, resulting in different auditory experiences even though both materials serve to enhance the tactile feel of the switches.

The bottom housing of both switches, however, makes a significant point of similarity, as they both employ nylon. This classic switch housing material is favored for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller audio profile. Consequently, both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Red offer the same foundational auditory experience from the base of the switch. Though the specific characteristics of the top housings differ, the nylon bottoms ensure that users can expect a rounder, more muted sound upon bottoming out, reinforcing a sensation of consistency across the two switches.

In combination, the differences in the top housing materials and the similarities in the bottom housings create a balanced listening experience for both switches. The POK material of the Dracula aligns with its objective of smoothness, while the polycarbonate of the Jupiter Red achieves brightness in sound, unique to its aesthetics. However, since both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, they ensure that regardless of their contrasts, users will encounter a pleasingly deep sound profile when pressing each key down, demonstrating how varied materials can still lead to similar user experiences in tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula boasts a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. Therefore, the Akko Dracula is the lighter option, while the Gateron Jupiter Red is heavier and may provide a more pronounced tactile experience. This variance in force characteristics ensures that users can select the switch that best suits their typing preferences and comfort levels.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, the Dracula measures 3.8 mm, while the Jupiter Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Dracula the shorter of the two, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can improve performance by allowing faster key presses. Conversely, the Jupiter Red, with its greater travel distance, may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced feel and depth when pressing the keys, which can enhance the typing experience for some users. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Akko Dracula would be the better choice, while those seeking a more traditional or deeper feel might favor the Gateron Jupiter Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Dracula switch features a sound profile that remains somewhat undefined in the provided information, but it is known for its overall smoothness due to the POK material used in its construction. Comparatively, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, which strikes a balance between being unobtrusive and functional, making it versatile enough for various environments. This neutral sound quality can appeal to users who want an option that is not overly loud, allowing for a less intrusive typing experience whether at home or in a professional setting.

When it comes to feel, the Dracula switch showcases its strength through enhanced typing smoothness attributed to its innovative design, including an extra stem hole for better airflow. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switch boasts descriptors such as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, indicating a highly refined and enjoyable typing experience. The combination of these characteristics suggests that the Jupiter Red offers a buttery and effortless keystroke along with reduced friction. Therefore, while the Dracula emphasizes its smoothness through materials, the Jupiter Red achieves a similarly smooth sensation through its meticulous design and potential factory lubing, providing users with a delightful typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Jupiter Red switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, albeit in different ways. The sound quality of the Dracula remains unspecified but could align with the seamless nature of its design, whereas the Jupiter Red offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various settings. In terms of feel, the Dracula emphasizes its innovation for smoothness, while the Jupiter Red excels with its polished, creamy, and silky characteristics, making both switches capable of providing similar delightful typing experiences. Ultimately, if sound is a priority, the Jupiter Red might have a clearer advantage, while the Dracula could cater to those seeking a unique tactile smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter actuation force for quick typing and gaming, the Akko Dracula is an excellent option. Its innovative design, made with durable POK material and enhanced airflow, contributes to a remarkably smooth typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. If, however, you appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force and a more polished feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red might be your go-to choice. With its consistent keystrokes and neutral sound profile, it caters well to both casual users and professionals, ensuring a refined typing experience without straying too far into either extreme. Ultimately, your final choice should align with your typing style, whether that leans toward the ultra-responsive touch of the Dracula or the balanced, creamy smoothness of the Jupiter Red.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Dracula Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

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Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more