Akko Dracula vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and KTT Mint offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is renowned for its use of POK material in its top case and stem, which contributes to a notably smooth typing experience while ensuring enhanced durability. Additionally, its innovative design features an extra stem hole for improved airflow, making it an appealing option for those who value a refined feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth linear response that provides a unique poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. This switch delivers a light and fleeting typing experience, ideal for users who prefer an effortlessly quick reaction when typing. While both switches belong to the linear category, they present unique tactile sensations and sound profiles that can significantly influence a typist's experience. 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
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Akko Dracula and KTT Mint switches reveal interesting contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Dracula features a POK material for its top housing, known for its remarkable smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a gliding motion that is slightly smoother than LY, promoting a pleasant typing experience. Its durability is one of its standout features, boasting wear resistance significantly superior to traditional materials like POM, along with enhanced shock resistance. This combination results in a switch that delivers smooth, clacky actions, ideal for users who appreciate a tactile and audible feedback in their typing. In contrast, the Mint utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing. This material is stiffer and lends a sharply resonant and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for better RGB lighting effects, providing aesthetic benefits that cater to a visually-oriented audience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a consistency emerges as they both utilize nylon, a classic material known for its sound-dampening properties. Nylon is softer than the plastics used in the top housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This shared choice of nylon helps equate the overall aural experience of both switches; while the top housings differ, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users experience a rounder and warmer sound from both switches. Therefore, the enjoyment derived from the deeper sound remains constant across both the Dracula and Mint, making them appealing to typists who enjoy a more muted auditory feedback despite their different top housing materials.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials in the Akko Dracula and KTT Mint switches delineate their unique typing experiences, yet the shared nylon bottoms tie the two distinct profiles together through a common auditory theme. While the Dracula's POK top contributes to a smooth, clacky feel, the Mint’s polycarbonate upper enhances clarity and brightness. However, both benefit from the nylon bottom's deep sound signature, illustrating how differences in the top housing can lead to distinct typing characteristics, while the bottom housing offers a foundational consistency. Ultimately, users can opt for either switch depending on their preferences for sound profiles and tactile experience, and still expect a satisfying typing outcome due to the commonalities brought by the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who value extended typing sessions or gaming due to its ease of activation. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Therefore, while the Dracula is on the lighter side and can enable longer usage without fatigue, the Mint offers a medium-light experience that balances comfort with tactile feedback. Overall, these differences suggest that users seeking a softer touch should lean towards the Akko Dracula, while those who enjoy a more robust keystroke might favor the KTT Mint switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, the Akko Dracula offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mint has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Dracula the shorter option, which may appeal to users who prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation, a characteristic often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Mint's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced key depth, catering to those who prefer a deeper pressing experience. Consequently, if you seek quicker response times, the Akko Dracula may be the better choice, while the KTT Mint will appeal to players who enjoy a more substantial key feel.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 unspecified, but it is generally known for its durability and smooth operation. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch produces a low-pitched sound characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone, along with a neutral profile that suits various environments, making it versatile for both home and office use. Since sound is influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps employed, users can expect the Mint switch to deliver a satisfying auditory experience, while the sound characteristics of the Dracula may also yield similar results in terms of low noise output and a balanced feel, depending on the overall assembly.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is noted for its ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its POK material construction and design enhancements, which provide increased airflow and fluidity during keypresses. The KTT Mint switch also contributes to a unique feel with its long pole stem, resulting in a mild typing experience marked by gentle feedback and a polished action that reduces friction. While the Dracula's feel leans towards an ultra-smooth typing experience, the Mint's combination of mild and polished characteristics offers a sleek yet approachable typing sensation. Both switches promise a refined experience, with users experiencing consistent smoothness in their keystrokes.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula and KTT Mint switches both emphasize smooth operation, their sound and tactile experiences differ. The Mint's low-pitched and neutral sound profile provides a pleasant auditory response, making it suitable for various settings, while the Dracula promises an ultra-smooth feel supported by innovative materials. On the other hand, the Mint’s mild and polished characteristics offer a gentle and refined typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, both switches can cater to users seeking high-quality performance and an enjoyable typing experience, with the potential for similar acoustic outcomes influenced by external factors.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prefer a lighter actuation with a focus on ultra-smooth typing and durability, the Akko Dracula will be your go-to option. Its innovative design and POK material contribute to an enhanced typing experience, making it ideal for those who type frequently and seek a lightweight switch. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel and appreciate a low-pitched sound with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint switch might be better suited for you. With its medium-light bottom out force and polished finish, the Mint switch offers a refined typing experience that’s comfortable yet responsive—a great choice for both casual and more serious typists. Ultimately, your decision should align with what aspects of typing—be it actuation force, sound, or feel—you prioritize the most in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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