Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silent Grey provide distinctly different experiences tailored to varying preferences. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing feel, leveraging innovative POK material in its construction to enhance both durability and responsiveness. With an innovative design featuring an extra stem hole for improved airflow, it’s ideal for those who favor a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke that can facilitate fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that emphasizes a quiet yet satisfying experience, delivering a pronounced bump that many users find rewarding without the clack of traditional switches. This makes the Silent Grey a fantastic choice for those who desire a more subdued typing sound, fostering focus in quiet environments. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to individual preferences: the smooth thrill of the Dracula’s linear design versus the tactile feedback of the Silent Grey. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silent Grey switches, the differences in their top housing materials significantly influence the sound profile and overall experience of each switch. The Dracula features a top housing made from POK, a type of polyketone, which is lauded for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction (0.04). This makes it one of the smoothest materials for switch construction, providing a satisfying tactile feel. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its increased stiffness. This stiffness not only creates a resonant sound, making it ideal for keyboards featuring RGB lighting, but also sets it apart in terms of tactile feedback when activating the switch.
Both switches share nylon bottom housings, which are rooted in a classic design and produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when pressing the keys. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Akko Dracula and Silent Grey utilize this characteristic of nylon effectively to deliver a consistent and enjoyable tactile experience. Thus, while the two switches differ in their top housing materials, they come together with their identical bottom housing to provide a cohesive typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles and tactile feedback between the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silent Grey can be partly attributed to their choice of top housing materials. The POK material used in Dracula promotes a smoother action, contributing to a clacky sound when released, while the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Grey provides clarity and sharpness. However, since both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, they gain a unifying characteristic: a rich, rounded auditory experience that complements the performance of the top housings. Therefore, even though the top housings contrast in composition and resulting sound quality, the shared nylon base ensures that users can still achieve a satisfying and fulfilling typing experience across both switch options.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, a distinct difference in weight can be observed. The Dracula features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Grey requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and bottoms out at 65 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial feel under their fingers. Consequently, the Akko Dracula is the lighter switch, while the Outemu Silent Grey is the heavier option. This variance in force characteristics means that users who prefer a more delicate typing experience will gravitate towards the Dracula, while those who enjoy a firmer keystroke would be better served by the Silent Grey switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we find that the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Grey measures 4 mm. This means that the Silent Grey switch is the longer option, offering a more traditional travel distance that may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula switch may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times for increased efficiency during gameplay. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Akko Dracula would be the better choice; however, if you favor a fuller typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey might be more to your liking.
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 Grey 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 is engineered to provide a quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a subdued auditory feedback while typing. The innovations in its design, such as the POK material used in both the top case and stem, contribute to its muted acoustic profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a more pronounced auditory feedback thanks to its tactile bump. While it still prioritizes a quieter operation compared to other tactile switches, the pronounced bump does produce a more noticeable sound during actuation. However, keep in mind that the final sound can vary depending on the choice of keyboard, PCB, and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is crafted for an ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by an extra stem hole which promotes airflow and smoothness. This means that users can expect a fluid typing experience without the interruption of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed to provide a satisfying tactile sensation with its pronounced bump. This bump offers an engaging typing experience, allowing users to feel the actuation point, which can be preferred by typists looking for more tactile feedback. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Dracula emphasizing a sleek, uninterrupted action while the Silent Grey delivers tactile satisfaction.
In summary, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch comes down to individual preference in sound and feel. The Dracula offers a quieter, smooth experience ideal for those who value subtlety, while the Silent Grey provides a satisfying tactile bump, albeit with some sound. Thus, depending on what you prioritize—whether it be a tranquil, smooth typing experience or a more pronounced tactile sensation with muted sound—you'll likely find satisfaction with either switch, albeit in slightly different realms of auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter touch that allows for quick, fluid typing without any tactile interruption, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent option. Its ultra-smooth actuation and durable POK material provide a satisfying experience, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who thrive on speed and responsiveness. Conversely, if you're looking for a more tactile feedback with a satisfying bump that engages you in the typing experience, while still maintaining a quieter environment, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the better choice. With its medium-heavy resistance and sound-dampening features, it's perfect for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be an issue. In the end, understanding your priorities—whether it's speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and quietness—will guide you in selecting the switch that best meets your needs.
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