Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer distinct characteristics and benefits. The Akko Dracula switch, recognized for its use of POK material in the top case and stem, delivers an ultra-smooth typing experience while boasting enhanced durability. Additionally, its innovative design features an extra stem hole that facilitates improved airflow and overall smoothness, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch, while lacking standout features, is known for its fast actuation and responsiveness, making it ideal for gaming aficionados seeking swift key presses and rapid response times. Both switches have their unique strengths, with the Dracula appealing to users looking for a smooth and tactile experience and the Silver catering to gamers who require quick precision. 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
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 housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Silver switches, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Dracula features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is recognized for its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, resulting in exceptionally smooth operation. This material is also noted for its impressive durability, boasting a wear resistance 14 times greater than POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Outemu Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. While both materials contribute to a distinctly smooth experience, the POK’s superior durability may provide a long-term performance advantage compared to the acoustic clarity offered by the polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches share the same material—nylon. This classic housing material is famous for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is attributed to its relatively softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively. As both the Dracula and the Silver use nylon for their bottom housings, they will deliver similar sound characteristics when typing, characterized by a duller and rounder auditory feedback. This commonality in bottom housing ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile from both switches, despite the differences in their top housings.
In summation, the combination of the two different top housing materials between the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silver switches leads to varying auditory experiences while retaining consistent sound properties through their shared nylon bottom housings. The POK material in the Dracula enhances durability and smoothness, while the polycarbonate top in the Silver accentuates clarity and brightness in sound. However, their nylon bottoms unify the overall typing experience through a rich and full sound. Users who prioritize durability may lean towards the Dracula, whereas those who favor a resonant sound profile might prefer the Silver, but both can deliver satisfying tactile and auditory experiences thanks to the common use of nylon on the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Dracula features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silver has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might find preferable for a more pronounced typing experience. As a result, the Dracula switch is the lighter option, while the Silver switch is the heavier choice. Users looking for effortless keystrokes may gravitate towards the Akko Dracula, while those who enjoy a firmer push should consider the Outemu Silver for an enhanced tactile response.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Dracula measuring 3.8 mm and the Silver at 4 mm. This means that the Akko Dracula offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation with less key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down, catering to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience while typing or gaming. Thus, if you're inclined towards a more responsive action, the Dracula would be the better choice, while the Silver might suit those who enjoy a hearty depth in key presses. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance can significantly affect user preference based on their intended use and tactile feedback desired.
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 Silver 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
The Akko Dracula linear switch is recognized for its smooth and quiet operation, reflecting its premium build quality and innovative design. The use of POK material contributes to a refined sound profile that minimizes any rattling or popping typically associated with lower-quality switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch, while also designed for a smooth typing experience, lacks specific accolades regarding its sound characteristics. However, it's important to remember that the sound produced by each switch can be significantly influenced by the keyboard’s overall build and the type of keycaps used in conjunction with the switches.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Akko Dracula offers an exceptionally smooth tactile experience thanks to its extra stem hole, which provides enhanced airflow and moisture dissipation, allowing for consistent keystrokes without any hindrance. This feature makes it particularly enjoyable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Outemu Silver linear switch, while no specific attributes stand out, typically offers a straightforward linear feel that many users find appealing for rapid key presses, although it may not match the smoothness of the Dracula.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Silver linear switches offer unique experiences catered to different preferences. The Dracula stands out with its superior material and design, providing an ultra-smooth and quiet typing experience that is hard to match, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing performance and sound. The Silver, while more basic in its offerings, still provides a decent feel for a linear switch, suitable for users looking to explore the linear switch category without the premium features of the Dracula. If you prioritize sound and feel, the Dracula is likely to yield a more satisfying experience, while the Silver offers a budget-friendly alternative for those new to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides an ultra-smooth experience with enhanced durability, the Akko Dracula, with its 45-gram bottom-out force and innovative POK material construction, would be your best option. Its unique design, featuring an extra stem hole for improved airflow, ensures a smooth and consistent keystroke, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers a firmer feel for a more tactile response, the Outemu Silver, with its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, might be more suitable. While it lacks the advanced materials and designs of the Dracula, it can still provide a solid and reliable typing experience. Additionally, consider the sound and feel preferences, as these switches may have distinct auditory profiles and tactile sensations that could sway your decision. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the smooth and light approach of the Akko Dracula or the firmer touch of the Outemu Silver, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing styles.
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