Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between differing tactile experiences that can significantly influence their typing and gaming performance. The Akko Dracula switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing feel, thanks to the use of POK material in its construction, and its innovative design that incorporates an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This switch is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless keypress and quick actuation without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers who require rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch caters to users who prefer a more tactile experience. While not much is noted on its dustproof capabilities, it offers a distinct tactile bump that can enhance typing accuracy and responsiveness, which can be particularly beneficial for those who enjoy typing or programming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences—whether one seeks a smooth, linear response or a tactile bump for enhanced feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
The Akko Dracula and the Outemu Dustproof Purple keyboards showcase distinct materials in their construction that influence both sound and feel. The Dracula features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), recognized for its smooth performance due to a lower coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With wear resistance fourteen times stronger than POM and higher shock resistance than Nylon and POM, the POK material ensures a long-lasting and smooth user experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple utilizes polycarbonate as its top housing material, which is known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to the clarity of the audio feedback, making it particularly attractive for users who prefer a more defined auditory experience. This divergence in material choice indicates that each switch provides a unique tactile feedback and auditory result, reflecting distinct user preferences.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which serves as a commonality that affects the typing experience. Nylon is characterized by its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory feedback that contrasts with the harsher sound profiles introduced by the top housing materials. The similar use of nylon in the bottom housing indicates that both the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Dustproof Purple will yield a rounder and deeper sound when the switch bottoms out, providing a consistent auditory cue during typing. Users seeking a fuller auditory experience will find that this component creates a unified sound quality, even amidst the differences offered by the top housing materials.
In summary, while both the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they diverge significantly in their top housing materials—POK for the Dracula and polycarbonate for the Dustproof Purple. The POK top contributes to a smooth and clacky experience, promoting durability and longevity, while the polycarbonate top enhances sound clarity and sharpness, particularly for users interested in RGB lighting. As a result, even though both switches utilize nylon in the same manner, the overall sounds and tactile feedback differ due to the top housing choices, allowing users to select a switch that best aligns with their tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Dracula switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams, which is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. Its bottom out force is also comparatively light at 45 grams. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. This increased resistance provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for a tactile feel. As a result, the Akko Dracula switch is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch and longer use without fatigue, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple is better for those who appreciate a stronger push. Overall, these differences highlight the importance of selecting a switch based on personal preference for typing feel and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, the Akko Dracula measures at 3.8 mm, while the Dustproof Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Dracula the shorter option, offering a slightly more responsive feel which may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple, with its longer travel distance, can provide a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you choose the shorter travel distance of the Dracula, you'll benefit from quicker feedback during use, whereas the Dustproof Purple might be better for those who enjoy a deeper and more deliberate press.
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 Dustproof Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula linear switch produces a relatively quiet and smooth operation, allowing for a more subtle typing experience that is appreciated in quieter environments. This can be particularly beneficial for users who require a quieter workspace, as it minimizes the audible disruption of keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch tends to generate a more pronounced sound with its tactile bump, giving users pleasing auditory feedback with each keypress. This can make typing feel more engaging and satisfying, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially in shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is characterized by its smooth linear action, providing a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke. This results in a fluid typing experience that can enhance speed and precision, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless flow while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple features a tactile bump that gives clear feedback when the key is actuated, which many typists find comforting and useful for touch typing. However, this tactile sensation can also lead to a slight resistance that may slow down faster typists who prefer the linear feel.
In conclusion, both switch options cater to different preferences, providing distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Akko Dracula switch excels in delivering a quiet, smooth experience ideal for focus-oriented tasks, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple offers tactile feedback accompanied by a more pronounced sound that enhances user engagement. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style, workspace environment, and whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, the Akko Dracula is likely your best choice. Its unique POK material construction and design innovations provide an ultra-smooth feel, making it perfect for fast typists or gamers seeking rapid keystrokes without added resistance. However, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback with a firmer press, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, with its 65 grams bottom-out force, might be more suitable for you. The increased weight offers a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing accuracy, especially if you enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness with the Akko Dracula or the tactile feedback and weight of the Outemu Dustproof Purple. Your personal preference in feel and sound will play a vital role in this decision, so it's important to consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you as you make your selection.
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