Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Cold Plum 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 Cold Plum offer distinct options for users who prefer a linear typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for its top case and stem, providing not only ultra-smooth typing but also enhanced durability. Its design features an extra stem hole that facilitates improved airflow, delivering a seamless and pleasant keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is celebrated for its unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke combined with an engaging auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing feel. While both switches cater to users eager for a linear switch experience, they each bring unique attributes to the table—smoothness and durability from the Dracula, and distinct sound and feel from the Cold Plum. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Cold Plum switches, the most notable distinction lies in their top housings. The Akko Dracula features a POK (polyketone) top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides an exceptionally slick feel during typing, coupled with a remarkable wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than POM and superior shock resistance compared to both Nylon and POM. This combination lends the Dracula switches a smooth, clacky sound profile that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum employs a traditional nylon top housing, which, while still providing competent performance, does not achieve the same level of smoothness as POK. However, nylon's unique sound absorption properties contribute to a deeper, fuller typing experience, making for a softer and rounder sound profile, albeit with a slightly different tactile feel.
In both switches, the bottom housing is made from nylon, resulting in identical characteristics in that aspect. The similarities endear users to both the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Cold Plum, as the nylon bottom housing is a well-regarded classic among key switch enthusiasts. With its softer plastic, the nylon material effectively absorbs sound, reinforcing the switch's deeper and fuller auditory profile when bottomed out. As both switches utilize nylon for their lower housings, they share this crucial quality, which means that users will experience consistent sound dampening and tactile performance irrespective of the switch's top housing material.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials impart distinctive typing experiences across the two switch types. While the Akko Dracula's POK housing offers enhanced smoothness and a characteristic clack, the Outemu Cold Plum’s nylon top enables a deeper sound structure. However, both the Dracula and Cold Plum switches benefit from a nylon bottom that contributes to a similar fullness in sound and feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, users looking for unique sound signatures will lean toward one switch or the other based on the top housing material, but they can expect a uniform and satisfying experience regarding the overall feel and sound profile due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that's well-suited for extended typing sessions, perfect for users who prioritize comfort and endurance. In contrast, the Cold Plum features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the Dracula will deliver a softer touch for light typists or gamers, while the Cold Plum provides a firmer resistance for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during keystrokes. Overall, the Dracula is the lighter option, and the Cold Plum presents a medium-heavy alternative for those who seek extra weight in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Dracula switch provides a deeper press when compared to the Cold Plum, which can lead to a more tactile experience for those who enjoy a fuller keypress. The shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, allowing for more rapid keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer an enhanced sensation of depth when typing, the Dracula's longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive, shallow switch or a deeper, 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 Cold Plum 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
The Akko Dracula switch is known for delivering a relatively quiet typing experience with an emphasis on smoothness due to its innovative POK material construction. Although specific details about its sound profile weren't provided, it can generally be expected to produce a pleasant, muted sound that appeals to users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are characterized by their distinctive thocky sound profile, which is accompanied by a satisfying auditory feedback that enthusiasts often seek. This contrast suggests that while both switches may provide a smooth typing experience, the Cold Plum will stand out more in environments where sound matters.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch excels in providing an ultra-smooth typing experience attributed to its unique design and the inclusion of an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This results in a keystroke that feels effortless and pleasing, ideal for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke complemented by a responsive and enjoyable tactile feedback. This combination enhances the typing experience, making it feel more engaging, particularly for enthusiasts looking for a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard.
In sum, while both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Cold Plum switches deliver smooth typing experiences, they cater to different aesthetic preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Dracula offers a quieter, smooth option with durability, perfect for those who don’t want loud key presses, while the Cold Plum provides a distinctive thocky sound and an overall more engaging typing feel. Depending on your priorities—whether it's the more subdued sound and smoothness of the Dracula or the satisfying thock of the Cold Plum—you can expect to enjoy a compelling typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, force, and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides ultra-smooth typing thanks to its POK material and innovative design, the Akko Dracula is the ideal option. Its 45-gram bottom out force makes it perfect for those who enjoy fast and effortless keystrokes, particularly useful for gamers or those who type extensively. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a slightly heavier typing experience that offers a distinct, thocky sound profile paired with a satisfying keystroke, you might find the Outemu Cold Plum more appealing. With a 70-gram bottom out force, this switch caters well to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and sound preference—choose the Dracula for a light, smooth experience, or the Cold Plum for a more robust and resonant feel.
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