Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing feel, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, along with an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and overall smoothness. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize seamless keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, characterized as a tactile switch, aims to provide a satisfying bump at the actuation point, which many users find beneficial for typing accuracy and a more engaging experience. The tactile feedback can offer a sense of confirmation with each keystroke, making it appealing for writers and those who appreciate a more traditional typing sensation. Ultimately, each switch caters to unique user needs; 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
60g
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
pom
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, notable differences emerge, especially in the top housing. The Dracula utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material known for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability. With a friction coefficient of 0.04, POK provides smooth operation during keystrokes, contributing to a more responsive and tactile typing experience. Moreover, its robust attributes allow it to withstand wear and resist shock better than traditional materials like POM or Nylon. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for its top housing, which, while a reliable and classic choice, lacks the advanced performance features of POK. Nylon's coefficient of friction is slightly higher at 0.03, making it less impactful in terms of smoothness, although it still excels in providing a satisfying typing acoustic profile.
Both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, which ensures that the sound profile remains consistent between them in this aspect. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This quality gives both switches a shared auditory characteristic that enhances the overall user experience, making each keystroke feel more substantial. Since the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Dracula and Cream Yellow would deliver a similar tactile feedback and acoustic output when a keystroke is completed, despite the differences in their top housings.
Overall, the combination of materials in each switch creates unique user experiences. While the Akko Dracula offers enhanced smoothness and durability through its POK top housing, contributing to a more refined feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow's nylon top housing guarantees a softer and warmer typing sound. The use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a shared foundation in terms of acoustic performance, catering to the preferences of users who favor a rounded sound profile. In essence, while the two switches diverge in their top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their tactile and auditory experiences during use.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Cream Yellow requires a medium actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel upon pressing. In terms of bottom out force, the Dracula again is lighter at 45 grams, compared to the Cream Yellow's heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This distinction highlights that users who favor a lighter switch may find the Dracula more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas those who prefer a firmer response and substantial feedback might lean towards the Cream Yellow. Overall, the Dracula provides a more effortless typing experience, while the Cream Yellow suits those looking for a more robust and tactile engagement.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Akko Dracula boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a longer option, while the Outemu Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference may impact user experience significantly; gamers may prefer the shorter travel of the Cream Yellow for its responsiveness, allowing for quicker key presses, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers might gravitate towards the deeper 3.8 mm travel of the Dracula. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer the quick, snappy response of the shorter switch or the more pronounced feedback of the longer one.
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 Cream Yellow 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the Dracula is praised for its muted yet satisfying acoustic profile, which lends itself well to a discreet typing experience. The POK material used in the switch construction aims to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in quieter keystrokes that are ideal for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's sound profile tends to be sharper and more pronounced, typical of a tactile switch design. The inherent sound characteristics will ultimately depend on the board and keycaps chosen, as these elements can significantly alter the perceived acoustics of both switches.
Regarding the feel, the Akko Dracula switch is renowned for its ultra-smooth action, thanks to its innovative design featuring an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and reduces friction. This results in a luxurious typing experience where each keystroke feels effortless and fluid. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch, while typically offering a tactile bump, lacks detailed descriptions of its feel characteristics, making it harder to assess its overall tactile performance in comparison. It is important to remember that the tactile nature can provide a distinct sensation that may appeal to users who appreciate feedback with each keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula linear switch excels in sound dampening and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Outemu Cream Yellow offers a sharper acoustic profile with an unknown tactile sensation. Users can expect a more muted and fluid typing journey with the Dracula, while the Cream Yellow could appeal to those who enjoy a tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, and the choice will ultimately depend on individual typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, your decision should hinge on your specific preferences for typing feel and actuation force. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Akko Dracula will be your go-to choice, with its gentle 45 grams of force and innovative design that promises a satisfying, ultra-smooth keystroke. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you favor a more pronounced tactile feel and don’t mind the added resistance, the Outemu Cream Yellow with its 60-gram bottom-out force may be better suited to your liking. This switch is for those who appreciate a tactile bump that provides clear feedback with each keypress, which can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for typing-intensive tasks. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you prioritize a soft, fluid motion or a firmer, tactile response.
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