Akko Dracula vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko Dracula and the Gateron New North Pole V2 mechanical switches, enthusiasts will find distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, which not only enhances durability but also delivers an ultra-smooth typing experience. Its design features an additional stem hole that improves airflow, contributing to its overall fluidity during use. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch offers a crisper and frictionless typing experience by omitting the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, thus providing a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. While both switches fall under the linear category, aimed at delivering a seamless typing feel, the choice between them may boil down to whether one prioritizes smoothness and longevity or prefers a slightly more tactile response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula switches and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches, one of the most notable differences lies in the composition and acoustic properties of their top housings. The Dracula features a POK top housing that is designed for smoothness and durability, providing a clacky sound profile due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material is highly resistant to wear and shock, significantly enhancing the overall longevity and performance of the switch. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which offers a high-pitched, crisp sound signature due to its stiffer nature. While both materials aim for a smooth experience, they affect the sound profile and tactile feedback differently, highlighting the intricate balance of feel and acoustics in keyboard switch design.
Turning to the bottom housings, the Akko Dracula employs nylon, a classic material known for its sound-dampening qualities and ability to produce a full, rounder sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to a deeper acoustic experience, which contrasts with the New North Pole V2's use of polycarbonate for its bottom housing. The polycarbonate here is consistent with the top housing's properties, which leads to a sharper and clearer sound. This choice emphasizes a resonant acoustic experience that may appeal to users seeking a brighter typing sound. Therefore, the difference in the bottom materials plays a significant role in how each switch sounds when bottoming out, with nylon favoring a richer sound while polycarbonate offers a crisper and more pronounced audio profile.
Overall, although the Akko Dracula and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both achieve distinct acoustic and tactile responses that reflect their respective designs. In scenarios where users look for similar feel and response between the two, they can adjust their typing technique, keycaps, or even the type of stabilizers used to harmonize their experiences. The contrasting materials create varied sound profiles based on the housing arrangement, affording keyboard enthusiasts a range of options to tailor their keyboard's auditory and tactile performance.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences among users. The Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Consequently, while the Akko Dracula is the lighter option, the Gateron New North Pole V2 appeals to those who enjoy a firmer switch. These differences in force ultimately influence user comfort and typing style, allowing individuals to choose a switch that best suits their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we find that the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the New North Pole V2 measures 4 mm. This indicates that the Gateron switch offers a longer travel distance, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down a key. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker key presses for enhanced responsiveness. For users who favor tactile feedback and a more profound typing experience, the New North Pole V2 is the better choice, while those looking for faster actuation might opt for the Akko Dracula. Overall, the preference between these two switches will depend on whether one values deeper actuation or quicker response times.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 has a satisfying yet subdued auditory profile, emphasizing a more muted experience during typing. This enhances the overall typing experience for users who prefer a quieter environment. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is likely more crisp in sound thanks to the absence of the rubber dampener that characterized its predecessor, which can lead to a more pronounced acoustics during keystrokes. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound will still vary based on factors such as the choice of keyboard housing and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch provides a uniquely smooth typing experience, primarily attributed to its innovative POK materials and extra stem hole structure that promotes airflow and fluidity. Users can expect a delightful typing sensation that minimizes any obstacles to smoothness. The Gateron New North Pole V2 shines with its polished, creamy, and frictionless qualities, ensuring a refined and buttery feel with nearly effortless keystrokes. This combination allows typists to glide across the keys with an ease that reduces fatigue over prolonged use, catering to those who prioritize speed and fluid motion.
In summary, while both switches offer smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Akko Dracula emphasizes durability and subtle acoustics, making it ideal for quieter settings, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 focuses on a crisp and frictionless feel that provides an efficient and refined experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two would depend on whether a user prioritizes a quieter operation or a more pronounced typing feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Akko Dracula switch would be a fantastic choice, especially if you enjoy ultra-smooth typing experiences and enhanced durability thanks to its unique POK material. This switch is ideal for those who may do a lot of typing or gaming, as the extra stem hole allows for improved airflow and smooth transitions, making it feel effortless during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel with a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is the way to go. Its polished and creamy feel, along with a frictionless typing experience, delivers a crisper response without the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. This makes the New North Pole V2 more suitable for those who appreciate a firmer key press, balancing smoothness with a bit of resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what aspects of typing you value most—whether it’s the lightness and smoothness of the Akko Dracula or the polished, frictionless feel of the Gateron New North Pole V2.
Mentioned in this article
