Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silent Green present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking linear experiences. The Akko Dracula switch stands out for its cutting-edge POK material in both the top case and stem, promising ultra-smooth typing while enhancing durability. Its unique design includes an extra stem hole that improves airflow and overall smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green, although less distinguished in its reputation, offers a quiet operation that can be particularly appealing for office environments or shared spaces, where noise can disrupt concentration. Both switches cater to different user preferences—whether you're looking for refined performance with the Akko Dracula or a noiseless experience with the Outemu Silent Green. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula switch utilizes a combination of POK (polyketone) for its top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, creating a unique tactile experience. The POK material, with its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, contributes to a smooth keystroke and a more pronounced, clacky sound profile. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound more effectively. This combination allows the Dracula switch to balance a smooth, tactile feel with a rich auditory experience, making it a preferred choice for users who appreciate both sound characteristics and durability in their keystrokes.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This material is characterized by its stiffer nature, which promotes a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile compared to the softer nylon used in the Dracula. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making the Silent Green switch visually appealing as well as acoustically distinct. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the Silent Green focuses on brightness and clarity in sound, marking a stark contrast to the deeper tones offered by the Dracula's nylon.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silent Green switches are constructed from different materials, they each offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Dracula blends the durability and smoothness of POK with the warmth of nylon, creating a well-rounded sound and feel. Conversely, the Silent Green emphasizes clarity and brightness with both its top and bottom polycarbonate housing. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, albeit through distinct auditory avenues and tactile sensations. Users seeking a blend of clackiness and depth may prefer the Dracula, whereas those leaning towards a sharper, more resonant sound profile might gravitate towards the Silent Green.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, a clear distinction can be seen 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 more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it reduces strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel and resistance when pressing the keys. This difference indicates that the Silent Green switch is the heavier option, while the Dracula switch is the lighter choice. Ultimately, your preference between the two will depend on whether you desire ease of key presses or a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the Dracula offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Green has a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Green switch provides a greater depth when fully pressed compared to the Dracula switch. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula might be more appealing, as it can lead to quicker actuation, which is especially beneficial in gaming scenarios. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced feel with their keystrokes may prefer the Silent Green switch for its traditional depth. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, with the Akko Dracula being the shorter option and the Outemu Silent Green being 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 Silent Green 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 switch typically offers a more subtle acoustic profile, characteristic of linear switches that tend to operate quietly. The emphasis on smooth typing provided by the POK material contributes to a less pronounced sound during keypresses, making it an excellent option for quiet environments. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch mirrors this disposition as well, being designed with a focus on reducing noise while typing. Both switches can achieve a whisper-quiet performance, ensuring a peaceful typing experience, though the final sound characteristics may vary based on factors such as your chosen keyboard and keycap materials.
As for the feel, the Akko Dracula switch is lauded for its ultra-smooth typing experience due to the innovative POK material and the extra stem hole, which enhances airflow and overall feel with each keystroke. This design results in a fluid and responsive typing sensation, making it ideal for long sessions of use. The Outemu Silent Green linear switch, while not specifically detailed in terms of these design features, is also expected to deliver a smooth feel typical of linear switches, designed with a focus on minimal resistance and a direct connection to the keypress action. Therefore, both switches would likely provide a satisfying linear feel for typists and gamers alike, contributing to a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silent Green linear switches offer unique advantages, though they align closely in terms of sound and feel characteristics. The Akko Dracula stands out with its innovative materials and design enhancing smoothness and durability, while the Silent Green provides a reliable linear typing experience with less emphasis on detailed features. Ultimately, if you’re looking for quiet operation and a smooth keystroke, either switch could meet your needs well; you can expect similar performance from both, making your choice dependent on personal preferences and aesthetic considerations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Akko Dracula linear switch or the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light and smooth typing experience with a bottom out force of just 45 grams, the Akko Dracula is your go-to option. Its innovative use of POK material ensures durability and an ultra-smooth feel, making it well-suited for extensive typing sessions or gaming where quick keystrokes are essential. Additionally, if you appreciate enhanced airflow for better acoustics or simply enjoy a quieter environment, the Dracula's design will cater to your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer feel with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Silent Green switch might be the better choice for you. This switch is ideal for those who like a more pronounced resistance in their keystrokes and are less concerned about noise levels, though it does not offer the same innovative materials as the Akko switch. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will hinge on your comfort with the switch feel, the level of force you prefer, and the acoustic environment you seek while typing or gaming.
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