Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) each offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Akko Dracula, renowned for its innovative POK material, promises an ultra-smooth typing experience paired with enhanced durability. Its unique design, featuring an extra stem hole for improved airflow, makes it an appealing choice for users seeking a modern and refined feel in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro stands out as a classic budget switch, delivering a satisfying blend of smoothness and a low "thocky" sound that has garnered it a loyal following among enthusiasts. With its thick resistance and all-rounder performance, it shines in both gaming and typing scenarios, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget who don't want to compromise on quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials used in the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), notable distinctions arise from their respective top housings. The Akko Dracula employs a POK top housing, a unique material characterized by its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability, offering wear resistance considerably stronger than POM. This not only contributes to a smoother actuation but also enhances the overall longevity of the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro utilizes a top housing made of nylon, which, while being a classic material in switch construction, presents a higher coefficient of friction (0.03). The silky feel associated with both types of switches can be attributed to their robust construction, but the Dracula's POK housing is likely to provide a slightly more seamless experience due to its lower friction properties.
Conversely, both the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a shared foundation in their sound profile. The use of nylon imparts a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributed to its softer nature that effectively dampens sound. This shared material allows for a consistent auditory experience across both switches, regardless of the differing top housings. When engaged, both switches are likely to produce a satisfying, rounded sound due to the inherent qualities of nylon, solidifying the character of both switches during usage. Here, the bottom housing contributes prominently to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a common ground in tactile satisfaction.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro differ significantly in their top housing materials—with the Dracula featuring a POK top that enhances smoothness and durability, while the Milky Yellow Pro relies on nylon for a classic feel—both switches benefit from identical nylon bottom housings. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent acoustic profile, highlighting how the differences in materials influence the overall experience. Therefore, despite the contrasting top housings, the end results in terms of typing experience draw on the robust characteristics of nylon, providing a cohesive element in sound and feel during operation.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for easier key presses. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a robust typing experience. Therefore, the Dracula switch is suitable for those who favor lighter keys, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a firmer resistance for individuals who appreciate a stronger push. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on user preference for weight and feedback when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find distinct differences. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Dracula a shorter option, favored by those looking for quicker response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel that might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Akko Dracula would be the ideal choice, but if you prefer a more pronounced depth, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is the better option.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch remains somewhat undefined, but it stands in contrast to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), which is renowned for its basy, low-pitched, and thocky auditory signature. Users can expect a deep and rich sound when typing on the Milky Yellow Pro, offering a satisfying thud that enhances the sensory experience. This combination of deeper tones contributes to a more immersive typing environment, although the exact sound of the Dracula switch is still a mystery, implying that the auditory experience between these two switches could vary significantly depending on builds and personal preference.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is also not explicitly described, which leaves an opportunity to explore its performance in terms of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is characterized by its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. This fluidity is complemented by the switch's textured elements, which introduce a certain degree of friction that can either enhance or detract from the typing experience, depending on individual user preferences. The lack of description for the Dracula in this aspect means that potential users may have to seek out hands-on experiences or testimonials to compare directly with the buttery feel of the Milky Yellow Pro.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch presents a tantalizing feature set with its innovative POK material and extra stem hole designed for smoothness and durability, its sound and feel characteristics remain less defined compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The Milky Yellow Pro offers a rich, thocky sound and a buttery smooth typing experience, making it a favored choice among budget enthusiasts and all-purpose users. For those considering a switch, experimentation with both options may lead to a satisfying selection that matches their specific typing or gaming needs, though the Akko Dracula's subjective qualities will require further exploration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers ultra-smooth typing with enhanced durability, the Akko Dracula might be your best option. Its unique design helps improve airflow and ensures a more refined keystroke experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy long typing sessions or work extensively on their keyboards. Meanwhile, if you’re someone who appreciates a thicker feel and a richer sound profile, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out as a solid choice. With its medium actuation force and "thocky" sound, this switch provides a satisfying tactile experience perfect for both gaming and everyday typing. Overall, consider the Akko Dracula for a lighter, smoother, and more innovative typing experience, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is ideal for those seeking a classic and robust switch that excels in multiple scenarios. Your ultimate choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and how you plan to use your keyboard.
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