Akko Dracula vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Dareu Mahjong offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Akko Dracula is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material, which enhances both durability and smoothness in every keypress. Its design features an extra stem hole that improves airflow, making for a notably smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their catchy green and white color scheme, providing a vibrant aesthetic alongside a lively, poppy sound signature. With a typing experience that's described as effortless, the Mahjong switches are designed to offer a bouncy and polished feel. While the Dracula excels in durability and smoothness, the Mahjong focuses on a fun, engaging sound and tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and Dareu Mahjong switches, it is evident that both models utilize POK material for their top housings. The POK material, or polyketone, boasts a low coefficient of friction (0.04), making it one of the smoothest materials available, slightly edging out LY material, which has a coefficient of 0.03. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches provide a smooth, clacky feel during typing. Additionally, the robustness of POK, which exhibits wear resistance 14 times greater than POM and superior shock resistance when compared to Nylon, significantly contributes to the longevity and performance of both switch models. Consequently, users can expect similar tactile and auditory experiences from the top housing when using either the Dracula or Mahjong switches.
In contrast, both the Akko Dracula and Dareu Mahjong switches employ nylon for their bottom housing. As a classic material in switch design, nylon captures sound more efficiently due to its relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics. This quality leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a rounder auditory experience upon key presses. Because of this shared bottom housing material, both switch types will produce a similarly rich sound when bottoming out. As the bottom housing has a significant influence on the sound and feel during the act of pressing, users will not experience drastic differences in the auditory feedback or tactile sensations when engaging either switch despite the variation in their designs.
Ultimately, the combination of matching POK tops and nylon bottoms across both the Akko Dracula and Dareu Mahjong switches creates a cohesive switch experience. While the characteristics of each housing can affect the overall feel and sound profile of a keypress differently—where the top influences the release sound and the bottom affects the bottom-out sound—this consistent choice in materials leads to overlapping qualities in terms of smoothness and acoustic performance. Thus, users who appreciate the tactile feedback and auditory response afforded by these housing materials will find both the Dracula and Mahjong switches to be compelling options, each delivering an enjoyable typing experience rooted in similar construction philosophy.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces emerge. The Akko Dracula has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, along with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial feedback when typing. However, the bottom-out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. Overall, those who lean toward lighter switches would find the Akko Dracula more comfortable, while those who favor a firmer push might gravitate towards the Dareu Mahjong.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be more suited to your needs, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides a more pronounced depth and a less abrupt feel during key presses, the Dracula switch would be the better choice with its longer travel distance. In summary, the Dracula offers a deeper and more pronounced keypress experience, while the Mahjong caters to those who favor speed and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 considering sound, the Akko Dracula switch does not have a specific description available in the provided information, making its auditory qualities unclear. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch features a lively, poppy sound signature that brings a vibrant auditory experience while typing. Its neutral sound profile allows it to be versatile, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While the Dracula's sound characteristics remain unknown, users may find that they have a quieter experience compared to the more pronounced and lively sound of the Mahjong.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is notable for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced durability due to its POK material construction, and an innovative design featuring an extra stem hole that promotes improved airflow. This combination contributes to a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a bouncy feel, characterized by spring-like feedback that allows for a lively typing experience. Additionally, it delivers a mild sensation, making it approachable and pleasant for both novice and experienced typists, while its polished nature ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. While the Dracula promotes a smooth experience, the Mahjong's bouncy and mild qualities provide a different tactile sensation that some users may prefer.
In conclusion, the Akko Dracula and Dareu Mahjong switches present distinct offerings in sound and feel. The Dracula switch is designed for durability and smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined typing experience without the auditory feedback being specified. Conversely, the Mahjong excels in proactive auditory feedback and a bouncy tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences; if you enjoy vibrant sounds and playful feedback, the Mahjong may be your go-to, while those who prioritize smoothness and durability might gravitate towards the Dracula.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, your preferences and typing style will play a critical role. If you prioritize a lightweight, ultra-smooth typing experience with enhanced durability, the Akko Dracula is the ideal choice. Its innovative POK material and tailored design features offer a typing experience that minimizes friction, making it particularly suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where speed and responsiveness are paramount. On the other hand, if you seek a more lively typing experience that combines a pleasant sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Dareu Mahjong would be more appealing. Its unique color scheme and moderate sound profile make it versatile, fitting for both casual and professional environments without being overly intrusive. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a silky-smooth experience or a more dynamic, engaging typing feel that brings a bit of character to your setup.
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