Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko Dracula and Gateron Mountain Top can significantly impact your typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, resulting in ultra-smooth typing combined with enhanced durability. Its design features an extra stem hole that promotes improved airflow and smoothness, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a premium feel in their typing. On the other hand, Gateron's Mountain Top switches are engineered specifically for office environments, offering a discreet solution for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. With a sound profile that balances subdued acoustics with a comfortably light actuation, these switches cater to professionals who need unobtrusive and continuous typing. Both switches have their unique strengths, with the Dracula appealing to gamers and typists looking for premium performance, while the Mountain Top caters to those in quieter workspaces. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and Gateron Mountain Top switches showcase the varying performance characteristics attributed to their distinct housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Dracula utilizes a POK material, known for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction, which contributes to a smooth actuation experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a different tactile feedback and sound profile. While both materials provide effective housing solutions for keyboard switches, the POK from the Dracula tends to produce a crisper sound, whereas the nylon in the Mountain Top generates a deeper and rounder acoustics due to its softer nature.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is interesting to note that both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon. This similarity means that they will produce comparable sound profiles in terms of depth and fullness. The softer nylon material effectively absorbs sound and contributes to a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while the top housings differ and lead to dissimilarities in sound when keys are released, the shared bottom housing of nylon ensures that both switches will perform closely on the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressed down, allowing for a cohesive typing experience despite the differences in top housing materials.
Overall, the combination of POK for the Dracula's top housing and nylon for the Gateron Mountain Top yields contrasting yet interesting dynamics in performance. The durability and smoothness of the POK material highlight the Dracula's strengths, while the nylon in both switches ensures consistent sound qualities on the bottom end. These variances and similarities illustrate how the interplay of materials affects not just the sound profile and feel during typing but also the overall character of the switch, allowing enthusiasts to choose switches based on their auditory preferences and tactile needs.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both showcase light actuation forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Dracula switch requires an actuation force of 35 grams to register a keystroke, while the Mountain Top switch needs 40 grams. This makes the Dracula feel lighter and more suitable for those who prefer less resistance, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Both switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams for the Dracula and 50 grams for the Mountain Top, indicating that the Mountain Top switch provides a slightly heavier feel at the bottom of the stroke. In summary, for users seeking a lighter typing experience, the Akko Dracula is preferable, while those who appreciate a more substantial touch might lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top, which offers a slightly heavier resistance throughout both actuation and bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches, there is a notable difference; the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mountain Top measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Mountain Top the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Dracula's longer travel distance could be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when pressing the keys. In the realm of switch selection, if responsiveness is your priority, the Mountain Top would be the better choice, while those who appreciate more pronounced actuation may gravitate towards the Dracula.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula switch features a generally softer and more muted audio profile, which aligns well with its design for a smoother typing experience. The primary intention behind its construction seems to focus on creating a quiet environment that doesn’t disrupt nearby users. This quality is ideal for those who seek a less invasive sound while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized by its neutral sound signature. This means it provides a moderate level of sound that strikes a good balance between being unobtrusive and still delivering a tactile auditory feedback during use. Although the Mountain Top isn’t entirely silent, it caters to office environments by delivering a subtle sound that won’t be distracting, whether you’re at home or in a professional setting.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is engineered for ultra-smooth typing, ensuring minimal resistance during key presses. The addition of POK material contributes to a silky texture that reduces friction, providing a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch presents a variety of tactile experiences. It is described as bouncy, offering a lively feel with spring-like feedback, which can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. Additionally, it is easy to press, requiring minimal force to actuate—perfect for those who may type for extended periods, combating finger fatigue. While the Mountain Top switches are defined by their responsive yet gentle nature, they maintain a mild and subtle typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a balanced feel without overwhelming characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Mountain Top switches provide unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Dracula excels in delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize silence and fluidity. Meanwhile, the Mountain Top balances sound and feel, offering a more engaging and responsive typing experience while remaining suitable for professional settings. Although they differ in their targeted use cases, both switches can ultimately provide satisfactory results, depending on what aspects of the typing experience you prioritize—whether that be sound, feel, or a combination of both.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage environment. If you prioritize a light typing feel with an emphasis on smoothness and durability, the Akko Dracula switch may be the better fit for you. Its innovative design promotes ultra-smooth key presses, making it an excellent option for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that caters well to an office environment, the Gateron Mountain Top is engineered for discretion and provides a pleasant balance of sound and feel. With its bouncy feedback and mild resistance, this switch allows for easy, fatigue-free typing while ensuring that your keystrokes are kept relatively quiet, making it suitable for both home and professional settings. In summary, choose the Dracula for its exceptional smoothness and durability if comfort is your main goal, while the Mountain Top excels when you need a quiet, yet enjoyable typing experience in a more formal environment.
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