Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Ocean

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Ocean can significantly impact your typing experience. The Akko Dracula is a linear switch, renowned for its ultra-smooth typing experience, courtesy of its innovative POK material used in the top case and stem, which enhances durability and a seamless keystroke. This makes it a fantastic option for gamers and typists seeking a fluid response without any tactile bump. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean is categorized as a tactile switch, providing feedback with every keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying tactile engagement for those who prefer a more responsive feel when typing. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Dracula is perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and speed, while the Ocean caters to users who appreciate a tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Akko Dracula Linear

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Ocean switches, a distinct difference is seen in their top housing materials but a notable similarity exists in their bottom housing composition. The Akko Dracula is constructed with a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is prized for its exceptional strength and smoothness in operation due to its low coefficient of friction. This results in a sound that is smooth, clacky, and durable, making it ideal for users seeking a high-performance typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound and is particularly favorable when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal and acoustic feedback of the switches. While both top housings serve to provide unique auditory experiences, they diverge in sound profile, with the POK material favoring a smoother operation compared to the crisper sound produced by polycarbonate.

Notably, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, creating a shared foundation that influences their overall sound and feel. Nylon is celebrated as a classic choice for switch housing due to its softer properties, which absorb sound effectively. This leads to a deeper and more rounded auditory experience when typing, delivering a fuller sound profile across both the Dracula and the Ocean. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a similar level of sound dampening and richness in tone from the bottom housing. This harmonization between the nylon components allows for a consistent experience in terms of feel and auditory feedback, showcasing how even with varied top materials, the bottom housing can anchor a cohesive acoustic performance.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials ensures that the switches provide unique yet compatible experiences. The Dracula's POK top housing contributes smoothness and durability, while the Ocean’s polycarbonate top enhances sharpness and clarity, offering users diverse tactile experiences. Meanwhile, both switches' nylon bottoms ensure a warm, deeper sound signature that ties their performances together. This interplay of materials allows for varied outcomes in typing feedback and sound, illustrating how different top housing variations can coexist with identical bottom materials to produce satisfying, yet distinct, typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. The bottom out force for the Dracula is recorded at 45 grams, indicating that it provides a gentle stop at the keystroke's end, while the bottom out force for the Ocean is unknown. Therefore, while the Dracula is the lighter option overall, the Ocean’s heavier actuation force might appeal to individuals who favor a firmer typing feel. This distinction helps potential users choose between a light and responsive experience versus a more robust and tactile one.

Travel distance

The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Dracula measuring 3.8 mm and the Ocean at 4 mm. This makes the Dracula the shorter option, while the Ocean offers a longer travel distance. The shorter travel of the Dracula may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation, whereas the Ocean's longer travel distance might be more suited for those who prefer a deeper feel and a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your personal preference for key responsiveness compared to the tactile feedback provided by deeper travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula switch is known for producing a smooth and subtle sound profile, conducive to a quieter typing experience. This characteristic stems from its POK material construction, which dampens noise during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch delivers a more pronounced acoustic feedback, creating a distinct sound with each key actuation. This difference in sound is important to consider, as personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between a quiet typing experience and one that provides audible confirmation with each stroke. However, keep in mind that the final sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard case and type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch offers an ultra-smooth typing experience due to its innovative design, which includes an extra stem hole for improved airflow and overall smoothness. Typists will find the actuation to be fluid and satisfying, allowing for rapid keystrokes without any noticeable friction. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch provides a more textured feel, featuring a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience by giving users a clear indication of when their key press has registered, catering to those who prefer a more engaging and interactive feel with their switches.

Overall, the Akko Dracula linear switch excels in providing a smooth and quieter typing experience, thanks to its advanced materials and design features. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offers a more pronounced feedback and sound, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory cues while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both can deliver satisfying experiences that cater to different typing styles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preference and usage style. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with less resistance, the Akko Dracula switch is the better option for you. Its lightweight actuation at 45 grams makes it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, while its unique POK material construction contributes to its durability and smoothness. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced feel when typing, you might want to consider the Outemu Ocean switch, which, although we don’t have specific details on its bottom-out force or sound profile, generally caters to those who appreciate tactile sensations in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics will guide your decision: choose the Akko Dracula for a quiet, smooth experience and the Outemu Ocean for a more tactile approach.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Dracula Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more