Akko Dracula vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Bsun Light Sakura present two intriguing linear options that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Akko Dracula is praised for its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, promising ultra-smooth keystrokes combined with exceptional durability. Its design features an extra stem hole to enhance airflow, ensuring a fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura focuses on comfort and discretion, boasting a silent operation and an ultra-light feel that makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions, especially in shared or office environments. While the Dracula appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and longevity, the Light Sakura is ideal for users seeking a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience without disturbing their surroundings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housing materials of the Akko Dracula and Bsun Light Sakura switches, we see a clear contrast in characteristics that fundamentally affect their performance and sound profiles. The Dracula utilizes POK (polyketone), a material recognized for its smoothness and durability, boasting a low coefficient of friction and exceptional wear resistance. It is specifically designed to produce a smooth and clacky sound, enhancing the user's auditory experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference means that while the Dracula will provide users with a smooth typing experience complemented by a deeper sound, the Light Sakura will offer a more resonant, bright auditory feedback, particularly appealing for users who enjoy the aesthetic benefits of RGB lighting given polycarbonate's translucency.
When delving into the bottom housing materials, we see further divergence between the two models. The Dracula's nylon bottom housing is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller, rounder auditory experience—ideal for users who prefer a softer, more muted feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Light Sakura’s use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing aligns with its top housing material to produce a sharper and clearer sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of each keystroke. This stark contrast means that while the Dracula may deliver a warm and rich sound, the Light Sakura will maintain consistency in its cleaner sound, delivering a cohesive experience from both the top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the differences in materials used for the housing of the Akko Dracula and Bsun Light Sakura switches result in distinct auditory experiences appealing to various preferences. Those opting for the Dracula will be rewarded with smooth, durable switches that deliver a deeper sound, while the Light Sakura promises a crisp and bright feedback thanks to its polycarbonate construction. However, despite their differences, the interplay between top and bottom housing materials in both switches allows for a nuanced typing experience. Each switch's sound profile is shaped by how these materials interact, with the combined effects creating an enjoyable and satisfying keyboard experience—whether one is seeking warmth and depth or clarity and brightness.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Bsun Light Sakura features a slightly higher actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Akko Dracula is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer less effort when typing or gaming for extended periods. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura, while still categorized as light, offers a slightly firmer feel at both actuation and bottom out stages, appealing to users who might appreciate a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have been designed with light weights, so users can expect a relatively comfortable experience, but the Dracula will require less force for actuation and bottoming out compared to the Light Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Light Sakura measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the Dracula switch may provide a more substantial feel with its longer travel, appealing to those who favor a deeper keypress experience. Conversely, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Light Sakura caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, making it a better choice for rapid-keystroke situations. Ultimately, the preference between these two switches hinges on individual comfort—those who appreciate a more decisive feedback might lean towards the Dracula, while those who favor a more responsive and rapid action could prefer the Light Sakura.
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 Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 produced by the Akko Dracula linear switch is relatively muted, offering a subdued typing experience that is less intrusive than tactile or clicky options. Although specific sound characteristics are not detailed, the smooth operation of the switch hints at a quieter performance. The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is specifically designed to be a silent option, ideal for office environments and shared spaces, further indicating its focus on minimal auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches strive for a quieter sound profile, the Light Sakura emphasizes silence as a primary feature, making it more suitable for those who require discretion in their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch stands out for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by the POK material in its construction and the innovative design that includes an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This design results in a pleasant and responsive feedback that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura leverages its ultra-light feel for extended typing sessions, prioritizing comfort and fatigue reduction. This gentle tactile experience allows for hours of comfortable typing without the strain. Although both switches promote a smooth typing experience, the Dracula focuses more on responsiveness and durability, while the Light Sakura emphasizes lightweight comfort for prolonged use.
In summary, both the Akko Dracula and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to specific user needs, particularly in sound and feel. While the Dracula offers a smoother and potentially more responsive typing experience with durability in mind, the Light Sakura is tailored for silence and comfort, perfect for those in need of a discreet typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are well-engineered, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and design innovation or an ultra-lightweight, quiet typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you value durability and smoothness, the Akko Dracula, with its unique POK material and additional stem hole for improved airflow, is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for users who may prefer a more engaging tactile experience while enjoying a slight sound when typing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet and ultra-light option, especially for long typing sessions or for use in shared spaces, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed specifically for that purpose. Its silent operation and gentle feel make it an excellent choice for those who wish to type without causing disturbance or experiencing fatigue during extensive use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize the tactile and auditory feedback of the Akko Dracula or the ultra-comfortable and discreet nature of the Bsun Light Sakura.
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