Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Mars are both excellent linear options that cater to various typing preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its unique POK material used in both the top case and stem, contributing to an ultra-smooth typing experience while enhancing overall durability. Its innovative design also features an extra stem hole that improves airflow and smoothness, making it an appealing choice for typists who prioritize fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch sets itself apart with its unique combination of a POK stem and a housing composed of a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a distinct tactile feel and reliability. This makes the Mars switch an ideal option for users looking for a balance between responsiveness and durability. Both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, yet their specific characteristics might cater to different user needs and styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Mars, distinct qualities become apparent in their top housing components. The Dracula utilizes POK, a polyketone material known for its remarkably low coefficient of friction at 0.04, slightly higher than Gateron's nylon top housing with a coefficient of 0.03. This trait not only enhances the smoothness of the switch during use but also contributes to its clacky feel when typing. In contrast, the Mars's nylon top housing provides a softer touch that absorbs sound better than POK, leading to a deeper and rounder acoustic profile. While both materials result in a satisfying typing experience, the differences in sound and tactile feedback are primarily due to the inherent characteristics of the respective plastics utilized in each switch's top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials showcase some similarities despite being different types. Both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Mars feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which lends a fullness and depth to the sound produced during key presses. This shared composition means that both switches are likely to deliver a similar auditory richness when typing, despite the Dracula using nylon for its bottom housing and the Mars opting for POM. Here, POM’s muted sound quality creates a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the absorbent nature of nylon, which enhances the overall auditory experience of the switch. The synergy between the bottom housing materials allows for echoes of the same deep sound, albeit through different acoustic mechanics.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials mediates the overall performance and sound profile of these switches. In the case of the Akko Dracula, the POK top offers a slick feel and a crisper release sound influenced by its smooth properties, while the nylon bottom mitigates harshness and adds depth. Conversely, the Gateron Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, presents a unique combination where the softness of nylon interacts with the muted qualities of POM, resulting in a more subtle acoustic character. By understanding these differences and similarities, users can appreciate how the distinctive materials impact their typing experience, and how both switches can still provide satisfying results, albeit through different tactile and auditory nuances.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there's a notable difference in actuation force. The Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to press and more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Mars switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which could provide users with a more substantial feel when typing, especially favored by those who enjoy a firmer resistance. However, while the bottom out force for the Dracula is measured at 45 grams, information on the Mars switch's bottom out force remains unavailable. This means that while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Akko Dracula is lighter overall, appealing to those who prioritize comfort over prolonged usage, while the Gateron Mars may cater to users seeking a stronger tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Dracula offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mars has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Mars the shorter option between the two. With a difference of only 0.2 mm, both switches provide relatively close experiences in terms of keypress depth. Gamers seeking faster response times might prefer the Mars for its shorter travel, while those who prefer a more robust feel might find the Dracula more satisfying due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula linear switch is typically characterized by a softer, muffled acoustics that lends a pleasant typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a quieter workspace. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch is known for a slight more pronounced sound profile, producing a subtle thocky noise when keys are pressed. This difference in sound may cater to varying user preferences, where some may appreciate the understated auditory feedback of the Dracula while others might enjoy the resonant quality of the Mars. However, keep in mind that the overall sound experience can be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction, plate materials, and the type of keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is noted for its ultra-smooth typing experience, attributed to its POK material and the innovative design that includes an extra stem hole for increased airflow and smoothness during keystrokes. This design feature enhances the overall tactile experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch, with its blend of Nylon and POM housing, offers a smooth actuation but may feel slightly different due to the materials used. It often provides a satisfying keystroke that users find enjoyable during both typing and gaming. The Dracula's emphasis on smoothness may give it an edge for those who prioritize a seamless feel, while the Mars offers a complementary experience with a different tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Mars linear switches offer unique qualities that appeal to different user preferences. The Dracula excels in providing a soft sound and ultra-smooth typing experience, while the Mars delivers a subtly pronounced auditory feedback along with a satisfying keystroke, albeit with different material characteristics. Depending on your priorities, you can expect to find satisfying options in either switch, whether it be for a quieter, smoother typing experience with the Dracula or the slightly more resonant and tactile feel of the Mars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your choice will hinge on your typing preferences and the overall feel you are seeking in a keyboard. If you prefer a lighter key actuation with enhanced smoothness and durability, the Akko Dracula switch is a great option, thanks to its lightweight design and POK material that fosters a silky typing experience. Additionally, the innovative stem design adds to the airiness of each keystroke, making it ideal for someone who types rapidly or spends long hours on the keyboard without fatigue. On the other hand, if you want a switch that offers a unique combination of materials—specifically the blend of Nylon and POM that enhances its durability—then the Gateron Mars is worth considering. While its specifics are less detailed in terms of bottom-out force, it is designed for a solid feel that balances performance and longevity, making it a fitting choice for more tactile users who enjoy a robust typing experience. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing habits, whether that leans more towards light, fluid movements with the Dracula or a firmer touch with the Mars.
Mentioned in this article
