Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming experience, the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch present two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Akko Dracula, celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, utilizes POK material for the top case and stem, ensuring enhanced durability and a unique design with an additional stem hole that promotes improved airflow, making it ideal for those who favor a seamless keystroke without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile bump, providing users with a noticeable response during typing, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction without the loud click associated with clicky switches. Each switch has its merits: the Dracula for a fluid, uninterrupted experience, and the Brown for those who appreciate a more pronounced interaction with every key press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Dracula Linear

Outemu Brown Tactile

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Dracula and the Outemu Brown switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which leads to varied auditory and tactile experiences. The Dracula's top housing is made of polyketone (POK), known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides an exceptionally smooth keystroke, which contributes to a pleasantly clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which boasts a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a clearer auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches can achieve gratifying sound profiles, the Dracula's smoothness and clackiness stem from POK, whereas the Brown’s crispness is defined by polycarbonate.

The bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which impacts the sound and feel of the switches in similar yet distinctive ways. Nylon is revered as a classic housing material due to its ability to absorb sound, thereby producing a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the specific switch model. Since both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Brown utilize nylon in their bottom housings, they share qualities such as sound absorption and a generally softer typing experience. This consistency across both switches in terms of bottom housing means users can expect a similar tactile and auditory experience when pressing down on the keys, regardless of the distinct sound profiles provided by their respective top housings.

The interaction between the different housing materials becomes especially apparent during use. Given that the top housing significantly affects the sound profile upon key release while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, typists can anticipate a nuanced experience when choosing between the two. In the case of the Akko Dracula, the clacky and smooth nature of the POK top housing complements the rounded sound produced by the nylon bottom, resulting in a balanced feedback loop. In contrast, the sharper and more resonant sound of the Outemu Brown’s polycarbonate top housing will stand out as the keys are released, while the nylon bottom still grounds the response with its deeper tones. Consequently, while some auditory characteristics are shared due to the use of nylon in both bottom housings, the differences in top housing materials allow each switch to create unique results in overall sound and tactile feedback.

Weight

The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch present contrasting actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Dracula switch features a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch requires a heftier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers. Consequently, while the Dracula switch is lighter and may be preferable for users looking for comfort in long-term use, the Brown switch provides a medium-heavy resistance that could enhance the tactile feedback for those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing. With these differences in forces, each switch offers a distinct experience based on user preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Dracula switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Brown switch measures 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Brown, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper engagement when pressed, which can be more satisfying for users who prefer a hearty depth in their keys. Conversely, the Akko Dracula's shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm provides a quicker actuation, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for either responsiveness or a deeper feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula linear switch is typically noted for its relatively quiet operation, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. Its construction emphasizes a smooth keypress that minimizes noise, which can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a less distracting environment. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch produces a more noticeable sound due to its tactile bump, creating an audible "click" when the actuation point is reached. This sound contributes to a more pronounced feedback experience, ideal for those who enjoy auditory cues while typing. While the Dracula focuses on silence, the Brown provides that satisfying sound, making them distinct in this regard.

Regarding feel, the Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, creating a fluid motion that enhances the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. This smoothness is fortified by its POK material and innovative design with an extra stem hole that improves airflow, delivering a seamless keypress that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is characterized by its tactile bump, providing users with a noticeable resistance at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can help typists feel when a key has been successfully pressed, which some users find beneficial for typing accuracy and speed. Thus, while both switches aim to enhance the user experience, the Dracula leans into a silky-smooth experience, while the Brown offers a more engaging tactile sensation.

In conclusion, the Akko Dracula linear switch emphasizes quietness and smoothness, making it suitable for those who prefer a discreet and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch delivers audible feedback and tactile responsiveness, appealing to those who appreciate clear feedback with each keystroke. These switches cater to different preferences, and users can find satisfaction in their distinct qualities. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the quiet sophistication of the Dracula or the tactile engagement of the Brown, both options provide unique benefits that enhance the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your personal typing preference and usage scenario. If you favor a smooth, lightweight switch that requires less force, the Akko Dracula, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. Its unique POK material contributes to a pleasant, gentle feel and enhanced durability, ensuring a reliable performance. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and prefer a firmer typing experience, the Outemu Brown's 65-gram bottom-out force will cater to your needs. The tactile bump it provides allows you to feel when the key actuates, which can enhance typing accuracy and is often preferred for typing tasks that benefit from feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value smoothness and lightness or tactile feedback and a firmer keystroke, letting you tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your specific preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Dracula Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more