Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Melodic present two distinct yet compelling options tailored to different preferences. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, excels in providing an ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its innovative POK material and enhanced airflow design, ensuring durability and fluidity in every keystroke. This switch is perfect for typists who seek a quiet, uninterrupted experience, ideal for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic stands out in the clicky switch category, combining the satisfying auditory feedback and tactile response that many users crave with modern enhancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems, resulting in a smoother click without sacrificing that classic sound. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy the distinct feeling of a clicky switch while still appreciating smoothness during use. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and Gateron Melodic switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound characteristics and overall typing experience. The Dracula employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is noted for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a slightly higher friction (0.04) than that of LY (0.03), POK enables smooth key actuation while its strength and wear resistance (14 times stronger than POM) contribute to its longevity. In contrast, the Melodic uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material choice tends to enhance the resonance and clarity of sound, making it particularly suitable for setups with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination effects.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to create a fuller and deeper sound profile. The use of nylon in both cases underscores its reputation as a classic switch material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while the Dracula and Melodic differ in their top housing compositions—leading to distinctive sound profiles upon key release—the nylon bottom housing leads to a shared auditory experience when bottoming out. This consistency in bottom housing material means that the core tactile response and lower-frequency sound signature will be similar across both switches, despite the diverging qualities introduced by their top materials.
In essence, the different properties of the top housings in the Akko Dracula and Gateron Melodic switches dictate their individual sound profiles and tactile sensations when typing. While the Dracula’s POK top housing promotes a smooth and durable switch with a clacky sound, the Melodic’s polycarbonate top introduces clarity and a higher-pitched resonance. However, both switches’ nylon bottom housings serve to create a commonality in sound and feel, particularly when it comes to the bottom-out impact. Thus, users can expect distinct auditory experiences based on the top material used, but will find a familiar depth and richness in the tactile feedback provided by the nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula switch has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that can enhance typing comfort during extended use, such as in the workplace or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Melodic switch features a bottom out force of 60 grams, but its actuation force remains unlisted. This suggests that the Melodic switch could offer a heavier feel overall, which may be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while the Akko Dracula is the lighter choice with a more forgiving actuation and bottom out force, the Gateron Melodic is effectively heavier, providing a different tactile feel that some users might find more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the two switches differ in this aspect. The Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Melodic has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Consequently, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Akko Dracula would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which caters to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress. Thus, if you favor a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Melodic switch would be the better fit. Overall, the differences in travel distances highlight the contrasting preferences between rapid responsiveness and a more traditional keystroke 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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Akko Dracula switch produces a sound profile that is subtle and refined, though specific descriptors for its acoustic qualities are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch makes a distinct auditory impact with its resonant and crunchy characteristics. The resonant sound is higher-pitched and sharp, delivering an immersive experience that adds character to the typing session. The crunchy element evokes the sound of crisp leaves underfoot, enhancing the tactile joy of typing. This difference emphasizes the Melodic’s role in creating a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Dracula's more subdued acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Dracula switch offers an ultra-smooth keystroke experience that highlights its innovative POK material and design features. However, specific tactile qualities have not been detailed. In contrast, the Melodic switch is characterized by its buttery smoothness, delivering a seamless and fluid typing experience, coupled with invigorating feedback that makes each keystroke snappy and engaging. The combination of a moderate to firm actuation force further accentuates its tactile response, creating a dynamic typing sensation. This variety in feedback and actuation makes the Melodic feel lively and responsive, while the Dracula's smoothness caters to those who prioritize a silky typing experience.
In summary, while both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Melodic offer unique qualities suited to different preferences, their sound and feel cater to distinct typing experiences. The Melodic stands out with its resonant and crunchy sound profile, enriched by pronounced tactile feedback, while the Dracula emphasizes smoothness and subtlety. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer an auditory and tactile experience that is sharp and engaging, or one that is smooth and refined.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth and quiet keystroke with a lighter actuation force, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its innovative design, featuring POK material and enhanced airflow, ensures a seamless typing experience that is perfect for prolonged typing sessions, whether you're working or gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a cleaner, resonant sound with a more pronounced click, the Gateron Melodic switch will suit you better. The combination of its medium force, buttery feel, and invigorating feedback offers a delightful auditory and tactile experience that many typists find rewarding, especially during gaming or fast typing tasks. Assessing your priorities—be it quiet and smooth operation or a satisfying click with a sharper auditory profile—will guide you towards the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard experience.
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