Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silent White present unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for both the top case and stem, providing an ultra-smooth typing experience that's not only enjoyable but also durable thanks to its robust design. Additionally, the extra stem hole in the Dracula switch enhances airflow, further contributing to its smooth performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is characterized as a linear switch that prioritizes quiet operation, making it an appealing choice for users who desire a less disruptive typing experience, whether in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. While both switches offer their own benefits—smoothness and durability for the Dracula and quiet operation for the Silent White—each caters to distinct typing needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silent White, crucial differences can be noted in the choice of top housing material. The Akko Dracula features a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is praised for its smoothness and durability, boasting a low coefficient of friction that contributes to a slick and responsive typing experience. With a wear resistance that is significantly higher than that of POM and exceptional shock resistance compared to Nylon, the POK material enables a blend of a lively, clacky sound profile and long-lasting performance. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White integrates a polycarbonate top housing, known for its clarity and resonant sound characteristics. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback of each keypress, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Looking at the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which acts similarly in both cases, providing a unified acoustic property that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's characteristics remain a constant across different switch brands, as it is inherently softer and absorbs sound, leading to a rounder auditory sensation when keys are actuated. This similarity in bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silent White will present a cohesive deep sound profile from below, ensuring that the tactile experience remains consistent across both switches.
Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct top and shared bottom housings demonstrates how the overall experience of each switch can be shaped by their materials. While the Akko Dracula's POK top promotes a smooth, clacky feel with robust durability, the Outemu Silent White's polycarbonate top excels in providing a bright, resonant sound. The nylon bottom housing guarantees the presence of a deep, rounded sound profile in both switches, emphasizing how the materials utilized can harmonize and contrast to create varied auditory and tactile results. Users seeking specific characteristics should consider both the unique and shared qualities of housing materials when choosing between these two options.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience suitable for extended use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent White switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel and tactile feedback while typing. Overall, the Akko Dracula is the lighter option among the two, while the Outemu Silent White stands as the heavier choice, catering to different typing preferences and styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the differences are notable. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Dracula offers a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Silent White's 3.3 mm travel distance makes it a better option for those who favor quicker response times, as shorter distances often facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences—whether one values a more pronounced tactile experience or a snappier, responsive keypress.
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 White 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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Akko Dracula switch and the Outemu Silent White switch, the Dracula is renowned for its quiet operation paired with a smooth sound profile, making it suitable for both office environments and late-night gaming sessions. The Silent White, as its name suggests, emphasizes silence as well, designed specifically to minimize noise during keypresses. However, the overall sound will ultimately depend on the choice of keyboard, including the plate material and keycaps used, ensuring that users looking for a quieter experience from either switch can achieve similar results with careful selection.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience due to its POK material and innovative design elements, resulting in a delightful keypress that many users find satisfying. The extra stem hole is said to enhance airflow, promoting a buttery-smooth actuation. The Silent White switch is also designed for a linear feel; however, specific characteristics such as the smoothness and responsiveness of its actuation are not detailed, leaving some unknowns in direct contrast to the well-defined feel of the Dracula.
Overall, both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silent White switches cater to users seeking a quieter, more subdued typing experience while maintaining a linear feel. The Dracula stands out with its advanced design and smoothness, providing an edge in tactile satisfaction. However, both switches can achieve similar sound attenuation, making them excellent choices for those who prioritize a quiet keyboard without sacrificing performance. Users should assess their own preferences and consider combinations of materials and build quality in their specific setups to find the best fit for their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall experience. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smoother and more responsive typing experience, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice, particularly if you value enhanced durability thanks to its POK material construction. The added airflow from the extra stem hole can provide a sensation of fluidity that is appealing for those who spend long hours typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly firmer feel with a medium bottom-out force for better tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent White may suit you better. While it may lack the innovative features of the Dracula, it compensates with a reliable and familiar typing experience, making it a solid option for those who prioritize a consistent performance without the added noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prioritize smoothness, sound, and feel in your typing experience.
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