Akko Dracula vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Akko Dracula switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, prioritizing ultra-smooth typing with enhanced durability. Its design features an extra stem hole that promotes improved airflow and smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a fluid and seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its robust feel and responsive keystroke, providing users with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks that appeal to both gamers and typists who value auditory feedback. While the Dracula focuses on a smooth typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro offers a blend of tactile engagement and sound that could be preferred by users looking for a more dynamic interaction. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Akko Dracula and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches highlight a distinct contrast in their acoustic profiles, despite sharing a common bottom housing material. The Dracula features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, resulting in a sound profile that’s both clacky and lively. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this material offers a slight increase in friction compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The unique resonance of the polycarbonate accentuates the overall acoustic performance, giving the V3 Matcha Green Pro a crisper sound profile suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, although both models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the fundamental differences in their top housing materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences.
Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which is a tried-and-true material in keyboard switches. Known for its sound-absorbing qualities, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, typists can expect a sound that feels richer and more rounded when bottoming out or releasing keystrokes. The durability and acoustic absorption of nylon are consistent across both models, ensuring that users will experience a solid and reliable feel whenever they engage with the switches.
When examining the overall performance of the Akko Dracula and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, the combination of different top housings paired with the same bottom housing material results in uniquely tailored auditory characteristics. The POK top housing of the Dracula excels in providing a smooth tactile sensation and an engaging sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro excels in delivering clarity and resonance. Despite this variance, both switches share a robust sound foundation thanks to the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, while the two switches deliver contrasting acoustic experiences, they also highlight the versatility and richness that quality housing materials can contribute to the tactile and auditory experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force, indicating a varied typing experience for users. The Dracula switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. This substantial difference means that while the Dracula is lighter and easier to press, the Matcha Green Pro offers a firmer resistance, appealing to those seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches blends personal preference with intended use, with the Dracula supporting prolonged use and the Matcha Green Pro providing a satisfying weight for those who favor a heavier switch.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation consistency. Because their travel distances are equal, users can expect comparable performance in terms of keystroke feel and response, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a consistent typing experience.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 switch holds an advantage in terms of enhanced auditory experience due to its innovative design featuring POK material. However, the specific sound profile of the Dracula switch remains unspecified. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are characterized by a distinctively clacky and resonant sound. Users can expect a sharp, snappy feedback when typing, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive tonal quality, complemented by a clean and sharp higher-pitched overall sound. This difference in sound profile may cater to distinct preferences – those who enjoy more subtle auditory feedback might lean towards the Dracula, while those seeking resonant clacks will likely appreciate the Matcha Green Pro.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is recognized for its ultra-smooth typing experience enhanced by its special materials and design features. However, specific descriptors of the tactile qualities, like bounciness or smoothness, are not provided. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches stand out with their bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. The bouncy feedback provides a lively and responsive sensation with each keystroke, while the creamy and silky qualities offer a buttery smoothness that makes typing feel effortless. The polished nature reduces friction for a seamless key travel experience, which can be particularly satisfying for typists and gamers alike.
Overall, when comparing the Akko Dracula and the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches, the differences in sound and feel may lead users to prefer one over the other depending on personal preferences. The Dracula offers enhanced smoothness and potential durability, but lacks detailed auditory qualities, making it a more understated choice. On the contrary, the Matcha Green Pro excels in delivering a vibrant, tactile, and resonant experience, appealing to those who appreciate responsive feedback in their typing and gaming activities. Both switches cater to varying tastes, and users can enjoy different typist experiences based on their auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch hinges on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter touch with minimal resistance, the Dracula switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, offers an ultra-smooth and silky typing experience perfect for long typing sessions or quick bursts of gaming. Its innovative design and use of POK material ensure durability and a pleasant feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate effortless keystrokes. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial and responsive feel when typing, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is your go-to option. With a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams and its signature bouncy and creamy texture, it provides satisfying feedback and a sharp bottom-out sensation that can enhance both gaming and typing performance. Additionally, its clacky and resonant sound profile adds to the overall tactile enjoyment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek a smooth, lightweight experience or a more engaging and responsive typing environment.
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