Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and Outemu Black linear switches present intriguing options for enthusiasts. The Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for the top case and stem, resulting in an ultra-smooth typing experience coupled with enhanced durability. Its unique design features an additional stem hole that promotes improved airflow, making each keystroke feel effortless. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch, while lacking standout features, is often favored for its consistent performance and solid build quality. Both switches offer their own merits: the Akko Dracula is ideal for those who prioritize smoothness and responsiveness in their typing experience, while the Outemu Black appeals to users seeking reliability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Black switches, one finds a notable contrast between the top housings while the bottom housings share a commonality. The Akko Dracula utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and impressive wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—POK ensures a pleasant tactile experience. This material's strength and shock resistance enhance the overall performance of the switch, allowing for a combination of smoothness and durability that caters to users seeking a clackier typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a material recognized for its rigidity and crisp acoustic properties. Polycarbonate tends to produce a higher-pitched, clearer sound profile, which can be particularly appealing to those who favor brightness in their key presses, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency allows for enhanced illumination.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the similarity in material choice is highlighted: both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Black feature nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is a classic choice known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic properties. This shared characteristic fosters a common auditory experience when typing, as both switches will absorb sound effectively, yielding a dampened, rounded bottom-out sound. Users can expect a muted and rich acoustic feedback that contributes to a pleasant typing sensation, irrespective of the differences in their top housings.
Despite the contrasting top materials leading to different sound profiles and tactile experiences, the overall performance of both the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Black will reflect the qualities of their bottom nylon housings when pressed down. The durability and clarity of the POK top housing in the Dracula will provide a distinct feeling that separates it from the crisper, sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top in the Black. However, as the bottom housing influences the fundamental characteristics of switch actuation, both models will eventually yield a rather pleasing typing experience. Thus, while their top housings may create different acoustic signatures, the shared nylon bottom housing allows users to enjoy a comparable depth and resonance in the keypresses of both switches.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing the typing experience they offer. The Akko Dracula features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that is well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force for activation. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This difference means that while the Dracula switch is designed for ease and efficiency, potentially reducing fatigue, the Black switch appeals to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference; for lighter usage, such as work or extended gaming, the Akko Dracula would be ideal, while the Outemu Black is better for those who appreciate a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, the Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. As such, the Akko Dracula is the shorter switch, making it more suitable for those who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and deliberate keypress, feeling a greater depth with their strokes. Although the difference is relatively minor, this distinction can impact your typing experience, with the Dracula offering a quicker response and the Black providing a more substantial 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula switch tends to produce a subtle and pleasant tone, aligning well with the expectations for linear switches. Its design and materials contribute to a sound profile that is relatively quiet, making it suitable for a variety of environments, particularly in office settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch has not been specifically noted for its sound characteristics; however, like many linear switches, it generally offers a muffled sound that can be less intrusive compared to tactile or clicky options. Ultimately, both switches can yield a similar sound experience, although the Dracula may offer a more refined tone due to its specialized materials and airflow design.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is renowned for its ultra-smooth typing experience, primarily attributed to the innovative POK material and the additional stem hole that enhances its smoothness and responsiveness. This results in a tactile experience that many users find satisfying during both typing and gaming. The Outemu Black switch, despite lacking specific descriptions, is typically known for a firmer and weightier feel, which can be favored by users who enjoy more resistance in their keystrokes. Both switches will offer a linear feel, but the Akko Dracula likely provides a notable smoothness that may elevate the overall experience for those prioritizing fluidity.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Black linear switches cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience, they do have their distinct traits. The Dracula's advanced materials and design features may set it apart in terms of sound and feel, providing a refined user experience, while the Black may appeal to those who prefer a heavier feel. Ultimately, if you are choosing between these two, you'll find that the Dracula might offer a more polished experience, yet both are likely to deliver similar fundamental benefits as linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage requirements. If you prefer a lighter touch for quick, effortless keystrokes, the Akko Dracula with its 45g bottom-out force would be ideal, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is essential. The innovative design of the Dracula switch, featuring POK material and an extra stem hole for improved airflow, results in an ultra-smooth feel that enhances your overall typing experience while ensuring durability. On the other hand, if you like a more substantial resistance and find comfort in the heavier feel, the Outemu Black's 82g bottom-out force will appeal to you. This switch may provide greater tactile feedback and can be favored by users who prefer a firmer press, which might help avoid accidental keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light, smooth action from the Akko Dracula or a heavier, more deliberate action from the Outemu Black.
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