Akko Dracula vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and the BSUN Olive present distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced durability due to its innovative POK material, and a design featuring an extra stem hole that promotes superior airflow. These qualities make it an excellent choice for typists who value fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes, ideal for both gaming and extended writing sessions. In contrast, the BSUN Olive switch offers a tactile experience characterized by its all-POM housing, pronounced feedback, and a resonant sound that many users find satisfying. With its medium weight and unique design that emphasizes a sharp bottom-out feel, it's particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific user preferences: the smoothness of the Dracula for a seamless glide versus the tactile feedback of the Olive for a more pronounced sensation. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Akko Dracula and Bsun Olive switches exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their overall performance and sound profile. The Dracula's top housing is made of polyketone (POK), which is known for its smoothness and durability, contributing to a clacky sound when typing. In stark contrast, the Olive features a top housing made from polyoxymethylene (POM). While POM has a slightly lower coefficient of friction, it still offers a pleasing auditory experience; however, it leans towards a more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both the POK and POM top housings enhance the switching experience, albeit in slightly different ways—particularly during the release phase of a keystroke.
When comparing the bottom housings, the Dracula utilizes nylon, while the Olive employs POM. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience. This complements the unique sound profile of the switch when bottomed out. On the other hand, POM in the Olive also delivers a deep sound but is characterized by its unique tonality, providing a pleasing auditory feedback that is more muted compared to the vivid response produced by nylon. Here, both materials serve to enhance the sound production, but the plush quality of nylon provides a different texture and resonance, making the Dracula's response feel more rounded while the Olive's response feels refined.
Overall, while the Akko Dracula and Bsun Olive switches use different materials for their housings, each component contributes distinct qualities to the sound and feel of the switches. The POK top of the Dracula generates a sharp, clacky response upon release, whereas the Olive's POM top offers a more subdued yet unique auditory experience. At the same time, both switches utilize POM in their bottom housings, which brings a sense of depth to the sound profile, further illustrating how similar results can emerge from differing materials. Ultimately, the combined effects of each material create characteristics that cater to a variety of typing preferences, underlining the significance of both top and bottom housing in achieving the desired performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press, thereby reducing fatigue. In contrast, the Olive switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This medium-heavy resistance offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer tactile feedback and a firmer push. Consequently, the Akko Dracula is lighter overall, while the Bsun Olive is the heavier option. For users seeking a balance between effort and feedback, these differences highlight the importance of selecting the right switch for individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the differences are notable. The Akko Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Olive measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Olive switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the longer 3.8 mm travel of the Dracula switch might provide a more tactile and satisfying experience for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. Hence, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Olive switch would be your better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced touch might lean 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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's acoustic qualities have not been specified. However, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by its resonant, deep sound, which is accentuated by its all-POM housing. This sound profile is distinctively satisfying, contributing to an auditory experience that many users find appealing during heavier typing sessions. It's also important to consider that the final sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's build, plate material, and the keycaps used.
When comparing the feel of the two switches, the Dracula switch is known for its ultra-smooth typing experience enhanced by its POK material and innovative design, which includes features for improved airflow. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch offers a medium-weight tactile experience with pronounced feedback from its long pole stem. This results in an invigorating and sharp tactile feel that is snappy and reactive, making each keystroke distinctly pleasurable. While both switches are designed for different tactile sensations, the Olive is more focused on providing a medium level of tactility that is both prominent and immersive.
In conclusion, the Akko Dracula switch excels in offering a smooth typing experience enhanced by durability, while the Bsun Olive switch provides a solid tactile feedback with a deeper sound profile. If you're searching for a switch that combines a nuanced auditory experience with immersive tactile feedback, the Olive may be the ideal choice. However, if a smoother tactile feel is your priority, the Dracula is likely to offer consistent results. Ultimately, your choices will depend on whether you prefer a satisfying tactile response or a seamless typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and style. If you lean towards a light and smooth typing experience, the Dracula switch is an excellent choice, offering a 45-gram bottom-out force that allows for effortless key presses. The ultra-smooth feel, enhanced by its innovative POK material and extra stem hole for airflow, makes it ideal for both gaming and typing, particularly if you appreciate a quieter experience without the tactile bump. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more engaging tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory experience, go for the Olive switch. With a heavier 65-gram bottom-out force, it provides a pronounced tactile sensation that is invigorating and sharp, making each keypress feel distinct and rewarding. This switch is particularly well-suited for typing tasks where you want to feel the actuation clearly, enjoying a richer sound profile that resonates during use. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the smoothness and lightness of the Dracula or the satisfying tactility and responsiveness of the Olive.
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