Akko Dracula vs. KTT Mallo

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options stand out: the Akko Dracula and the KTT Mallo. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its innovative POK material in the top case and stem. This switch features an extra stem hole, enhancing airflow and further improving the overall smoothness, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who favor quick, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch presents a tactile experience that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. Its gentle tactility offers just enough response without overwhelming the user, combined with a medium-light typing feel that appeals to both casual and professional typists. The neutral sound signature of the Mallo ensures it fits seamlessly into various environments, making it a versatile option for diverse use cases. Ultimately, while the Akko Dracula excels in speed and fluidity, the KTT Mallo shines in providing a subtle tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Akko Dracula Linear

KTT Mallo Tactile

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the KTT Mallo, a notable distinction can be made in their respective top housings. The Dracula utilizes POK, or polyketone, which is celebrated for its unique blend of smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK slightly edges out LY for a smoother feel during use. Its impressive wear resistance, being 14 times stronger than POM, alongside its exceptional shock resistance—2.3 times greater than nylon—enhances not only the switch's longevity but also contributes to a sound profile that is smooth, clacky, and notably durable. In contrast, the Mallo opts for polycarbonate as its top housing material. This choice imparts a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, attributable to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, further distinguishing it from the Dracula's POK housing.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing, which serves as a commonality that shapes their overall performance. Nylon is heralded as a classic switch housing material due to its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is mainly because nylon is characterized as a softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and results in a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while the Dracula achieves a nuanced sound by virtue of its combination of a smooth POK top housing and a nylon bottom, the Mallo relies on the same nylon bottom housing to achieve its deeper and rounder sound profile. Consequently, this shared element aligns both switches in a way that influences their bottom-out feel and contributes cohesively to their auditory characteristics.

Ultimately, the interplay of the different materials in both switches ensures that, although they have distinct top housings, their nylon-infused bottom housings bind them under the umbrella of acoustic quality. The contrasting properties of the POK and polycarbonate top housings temper the switches’ overall performance by delineating the impact on sound and feel based on which part of the switch is engaged during typing. In essence, while the Dracula focuses on creating a smooth and durable experience through its POK top and nylon bottom, the Mallo crafts a sharper and crisper sound while maintaining a rounder auditory quality via its nylon base. Regardless of the differences, the nylon bottom remains a pivotal factor that contributes to an overall deeper sound experience—ensuring both switches provide unique yet satisfying results.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics suited for different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that facilitates longer typing sessions and provides a more effortless experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo boasts a bottom out force of 55 grams but lacks a specified actuation force, placing it in the medium-light category. This heavier bottom out force aligns with users who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. Thus, while the Dracula offers a softer touch ideal for prolonged use, the Mallo may appeal to those seeking a firmer push for greater tactile feedback. Overall, if weight is a primary concern, the Akko Dracula would be the preferred choice, while the KTT Mallo serves those who favor a stronger keystroke sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the KTT Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. The Dracula's more compressed travel distance can offer a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers seeking fast actuation. Conversely, the Mallo's 4.0 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth and tactile feedback in their typing experience, making it feel less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness with the Dracula or a more traditional feel with the Mallo.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula switch's acoustic profile is not explicitly detailed, leaving its specific characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it can be assumed that due to its design, it could potentially produce a distinct sound that aligns with linear switches, typically resulting in a smoother and quieter typing experience compared to their tactile counterparts. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its neutral and subdued sound signature, which translates to a moderate actuation force and a dampened auditory response that doesn't overpower the typing environment. This makes the Mallo suitable for a variety of settings, from quiet workspaces to more casual home use. Ultimately, while the Dracula may lean towards a quieter operation due to its linear nature, the Mallo is designed explicitly to meld into the ambiance with its more muted sound profile.

When considering feel, the Akko Dracula switch again lacks concrete descriptors but is designed to deliver an ultra-smooth typing experience owing to its POK material and airflow features. This likely provides a very light and fluid actuation, making it easy on the fingers. Comparatively, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery and mild typing feel with a gentle tactility. It provides just enough feedback through its subtle stepped resistance, making typing comfortable and approachable for various users. The Mallo's combination of light actuation force and mild characteristics helps minimize finger fatigue, which is especially beneficial during prolonged typing sessions. While further details about the Dracula’s feel are absent, its smooth construction suggests it might be more aligned with the seamless action typists often seek in linear switches.

In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula linear and KTT Mallo tactile switches boast different designs aimed at distinct typing experiences, they can both cater to users looking for comfort and performance. The Dracula offers a smooth and potentially quieter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer linear feedback, whereas the Mallo excels in providing a balanced, tactile feedback without overwhelming the user or the environment with sound. This makes both switches capable of delivering pleasing results, albeit through different mechanisms. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge largely on personal preferences regarding sound and feedback, ensuring that typists can find a switch that matches their unique typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you favor a feather-light typing experience with minimal resistance and strive for smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its innovative features, including the POK material and the extra stem hole design, contribute to its smoothness and durability, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended writing sessions where every stroke needs to feel effortless. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more nuanced typing feel with subtle feedback, the KTT Mallo's gentle tactility is perfect for you. Its medium-light actuation force and neutral, subdued sound signature provide a balanced typing experience that works well in both quiet office settings and at home, ensuring you get tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, your decision will rest on whether you prefer a smooth and light touch or a more tactile experience that still maintains a level of subtlety.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Dracula Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more