Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences suited to different types of users. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing feel, thanks to its POK material in both the top case and the stem, along with an innovative extra stem hole that enhances airflow and overall smoothness. This makes it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a noiseless and uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback found in some switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is a tactile switch, which provides a subtle bump upon actuation, offering users tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate the sensation of physical feedback when pressing keys. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Crystal Brown, the most notable distinction lies in their top housings. The Dracula employs POK (polyketone) material, which is celebrated for its smooth performance, enhanced durability, and relatively high coefficient of friction. This material not only provides a unique tactile experience but also contributes to a durable design that can withstand wear and tear efficiently. In contrast, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper acoustic profile due to its rigid structure. This results in a more pronounced resonance and a crisper sound when keystrokes are executed. While both materials promote different sound characteristics and tactile qualities, each top housing contributes to the overall typing experience in its own distinct way.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Crystal Brown share a commonality in their bottom housing material—nylon. This classic plastic is known for its capacity to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience upon keypresses. Both switches will thus produce a rounder sound, enhancing the overall acoustics of the switches to be more muted and warm. As the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the sensation and sound profile when a key bottoms out, the nylon is critical in providing a consistent typing feel across both models. Given that they use the same bottom housing material, users can expect a similar auditory depth regardless of the differences in the top housings.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings ultimately defines the unique audio and tactile attributes of each switch. The POK housing of the Dracula is likely to offer that smooth yet slightly more textured response on actuation, while the polycarbonate housing of the Crystal Brown shines during the release phase due to its clearer acoustic qualities. When users press down on either switch, they will feel a nuanced contrast; the bottom housing’s nylon material offers a steady, absorptive feel in both cases, leading to a rounded bottom-out sound. However, upon release, the distinctions become apparent, with the Dracula providing a more muted yet clacky response while the Crystal Brown’s outputs resonate sharply due to its polycarbonate top. Thus, the individual sound profiles and tactile sensations will result from the synergy between their differing top and similar bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, several key differences emerge, particularly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The differences in force suggest that the Dracula may enable quicker and less strenuous keystrokes, while the Crystal Brown, with its higher forces, offers a more tactile feedback that some typists may find more satisfying. Overall, users seeking a light touch should gravitate towards the Akko Dracula, while those desiring a firmer keystroke may prefer the Outemu Crystal Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the Dracula measures 3.8 mm, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Akko Dracula the shorter of the two switches, appealing to those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, as it offers a bit more depth to the keystroke. Therefore, while the Dracula allows for quicker actuation, the Crystal Brown provides a heartier typing experience, making the choice between them dependent on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Crystal Brown 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 linear switch is characterized by its smooth and quiet actuation, contributing to a more muted typing experience that is appealing for both professional and casual use. Since it lacks a tactile bump, key presses produce a consistent and soft sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a more noticeable sound due to its tactile feedback, which results in a subtle click when pressed. This can create a more engaging auditory experience, making it easier to know when a key has been actuated. However, keep in mind that the overall sound can still vary depending on the keyboard's construction materials and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula provides an ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its POK material and innovative design, including the extra stem hole for improved airflow. This results in minimal friction during key presses, allowing for fast and effortless typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is designed with a tactile bump that can be felt when pressing down on the key, making it great for typists who prefer feedback during their typing. While this tactile response can enhance accuracy, some users may find it slightly less smooth compared to the linear nature of the Dracula switch.
In summary, the Akko Dracula linear switch offers a quiet and ultra-smooth feel, making it suitable for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. The Outemu Crystal Brown, with its tactile feedback and satisfying click sound, caters to those who enjoy nuanced feedback while typing. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and feel, but both can lead to a rewarding typing experience, each in their unique way.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Akko Dracula linear switches and Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preference and intended use. If you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience with lighter actuation, the Akko Dracula linear switch is a superb option, particularly if you engage in extensive typing or gaming sessions where a swift response is needed. Its lightweight 45-gram bottom out force, coupled with the innovative POK material, offers a refined feel and greater durability, making it an excellent fit for users who prioritize speed and smoothness. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback that a switch provides, especially during typing or programming, the Outemu Crystal Brown with its medium-light 55-gram bottom out force may be more suitable. Its tactile bump can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who appreciate the physical response of their switches. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, preferred feel, and whether sound and tactile feedback are essential for your keyboard experience when making your decision.
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