Akko Dracula vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and Cherry MX Black offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, providing ultra-smooth typing experiences along with enhanced durability. Its additional stem hole concept promotes improved airflow and further smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch, renowned for its iconic design and newly perfected Hyperglide tooling, delivers a textured smoothness combined with a low-pitched and deep sound profile. This makes it a popular choice for users who appreciate a solid, tactile feedback with a bit more resistance during keypresses. Both switches have their own unique advantages—while the Dracula excels in smoothness and airflow, the MX Black offers classic durability and a satisfying keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
The Akko Dracula and the Cherry MX Black use different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound and tactile feedback. The Akko Dracula features a POK top housing, which is known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this material is slightly more frictional than the nylon used in the Cherry MX Black (0.03), leading to a more responsive feel when pressing the keys. The POK also boasts impressive wear and shock resistance, vastly surpassing Nylon and POM, which ensures that switches made with this material retain their performance over time. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Black provides a classic switch experience that prioritizes sound profile, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory feedback due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a notable similarity arises, as both the Akko Dracula and Cherry MX Black utilize nylon. This consistency lends a shared characteristic to the bottom-out sound, whereby the nylon in both models contributes to the round, muted auditory experience that typists often prefer. Since the bottom housing is more influential in the feel and sound produced when the key is pressed down, both the Dracula and MX Black will provide a similar tactile experience, reinforcing the deeper auditory sensations that are a hallmark of nylon construction. As a result, users can expect a comparable bottom-out feedback despite the differences in materials used in the top housings.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula and Cherry MX Black differ in their top housing compositions—with POK versus nylon—their utilizations of nylon for the bottom housings help in creating a shared acoustic quality. The POK material in the Dracula contributes to a smoothness and responsiveness distinctively absent from the Cherry MX Black's nylon top. However, the fact that nylon is present in both bottom housings means that users, regardless of which switch they choose, will still enjoy a satisfying and rich typing experience due to the sound absorption properties inherent in nylon. Thus, even amidst contrasting materials, the similarities in bottom housing help bridge the auditory experience between these two switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch with the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula features a notably lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback during use. This difference means that while the Dracula is better suited for prolonged periods of use without fatigue, the MX Black caters to individuals seeking a more forceful keystroke experience. Thus, users should choose the Dracula for a lighter feel and greater comfort over longer typing sessions, whereas the MX Black is appropriate for those who prefer more resistance in their switches.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm means that the Akko Dracula offers a shorter actuation distance compared to the more traditional Cherry MX Black. For gamers or users who favor rapid response times, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Dracula may enhance performance, providing a quicker feel with each key press. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth when typing may prefer the Cherry MX Black, as its longer travel distance can offer a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a deeper 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 hasn’t been described in specific terms, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison regarding its acoustic profile. However, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which is distinctly bass-heavy and mellow. This low tone contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate, and while both switches will likely share a similar acoustic characteristic, the MX Black’s established reputation makes it a benchmark for those seeking a deeper sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Regarding feel, again, the Akko Dracula switch lacks specific descriptors; however, the Cherry MX Black is characterized by its textured and stiff feel. The textured nature provides a noticeable friction during key presses, which some users may find engaging or reassuring. The stiffness of the MX Black switches means that they require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out, which may be preferential for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Without descriptive characteristics for the Dracula, it’s uncertain how it feels relative to the Cherry MX Blacks, though if smoother and lighter, it could cater to a very different typing style.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula switch does exhibit qualities that may suggest a smoother typing experience, its specific sound and feel descriptions are not available for comparison. The Cherry MX Black switch, on the other hand, is known for its low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff typing feel, which can provide a unique tactile feedback. If you are seeking a richer sound and a more robust tactile feedback, the MX Black offers those attributes confidently. Should the Dracula switch offer a pleasant yet undetermined sound and feel, it could still be a valuable alternative for users who prioritize smoothness and durability over the deeper auditory experience of the MX Black.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch, with its 45 grams of actuation force and patented POK material, is a fantastic option. It's particularly well-suited for fast typists and gamers who thrive on quick responses, thanks to its innovative design that focuses on enhancing airflow and reducing friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier and more tactile feel, the Cherry MX Black switch, with its heavier 80 grams of actuation force and textured feedback, may be more up your alley. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a bit of resistance when typing, as it can prevent accidental key presses and provide a satisfying sense of control, making it suitable for both typing and gaming where precision is crucial. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the kind of activities you'll be using your keyboard for, ensuring you choose the switch that feels best for you.
Mentioned in this article
