Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between varying characteristics and personal preferences. On one hand, the Akko Dracula switch, a linear switch, stands out for its ultra-smooth typing experience, thanks to its unique POK material and innovative design featuring an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and durability. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize smooth keystrokes and quiet operation, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch is a clicky switch that delivers satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy an audible response and a more traditional typing feel. While the Spring Breeze may lack specific standout features, its engaging clickiness caters to users who appreciate the audible affirmations of their inputs. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the seamless action of the Akko Dracula or the delightful click of the Outemu Spring Breeze, understanding the nuanced differences between these switches is crucial for making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The Dracula features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is recognized for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, ensuring smooth keystrokes and long-lasting performance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material offers a gliding motion that many typists appreciate, along with outstanding shock resistance that surpasses Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, which, while traditional, delivers a softer typing experience. Nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics and creates a deeper and rounder acoustic profile, resulting in a distinct tactile experience. Thus, while both switches prioritize smoothness and durability, the Dracula’s POK material excels in friction and longevity, whereas the Spring Breeze emphasizes a warmer auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, producing a level of consistency in sound profile across both products. Each switch interacts similarly with this housing material, as nylon's softer attributes lead to a fuller and more muted sound when bottoming out. Given that both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Spring Breeze employ nylon on their bottom ends, users can expect a comparable acoustic experience that enhances the overall roundness of typing sound regardless of the top housing's unique specifications. This shared bottom housing indicates that both switches deliver a comfortable and engaging sound signature while typing, attributable to the natural sound-dampening qualities of nylon.
In summary, the essential differences in the materials of the Akko Dracula and Outemu Spring Breeze's top housings create varying tactile and acoustic experiences. The Dracula's POK top provides a smoothness and durability benefit that enhances its performance, especially during fast typing. Conversely, the Spring Breeze's nylon top focuses on sound absorption for a softer auditory experience. However, with both switches relying on nylon for their bottom housings, they converge in producing a deep, rich sound when the keys are engaged, allowing users to enjoy complementary characteristics in their typing experience despite the differences in their top housing materials. This combination allows for both switches to cater to preferences for tactile feedback and sound dynamics in a mechanical keyboard context.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during extended periods of use, such as long workdays or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Spring Breeze comes with a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial feel that some users might favor for its tactile feedback and typing engagement. While both switches are on the lighter side overall, the Akko Dracula is the lighter option, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and ease during prolonged use, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze's heavier forces cater to users seeking a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find that the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Spring Breeze measures at 4 mm. This makes the Akko Dracula the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker keypress reactions. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced sensation that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key responsiveness versus depth; the shorter Dracula can deliver quicker actions, while the longer Spring Breeze may feel more substantial during use.
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 Spring Breeze 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 tends to produce a harmonious and subtle tone thanks to its POK material, which dampens noise effectively. Users often find it quieter than traditional linear switches, making it more suitable for shared workspaces where sound levels may be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a distinctly audible click with a sharper sound profile that users enjoy for its tactile feedback. This clicky nature is reminiscent of classic mechanical switches, adding a layer of auditory satisfaction with each keystroke. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dracula switch is celebrated for its ultra-smooth actuation, attributed to its innovative design which includes an extra stem hole that promotes enhanced fluidity when typing. This creates a seamless experience that many users appreciate, especially during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze provides a more tactile feel with a definitive bump that signifies the actuation point, characteristic of clicky switches. This tactile feedback can help typists and gamers alike to have a more engaging experience, though some may prefer the fluidity of a linear switch like the Dracula for a different typing style.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Spring Breeze switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Dracula excels in providing a smooth, quieter performance, ideal for users who prioritize subtlety while typing. Meanwhile, the Spring Breeze appeals to those who enjoy the pronounced feedback and auditory cues of a clicky switch. Depending on your typing style and environment, you may choose one over the other, but both are capable of delivering satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you value a smooth and responsive feel, with a lighter actuation force of just 45 grams, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent choice. Its innovative design and ultra-smooth typing experience make it ideal for those who are looking for a quieter environment, perfect for office use or late-night gaming sessions without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound with a medium-light actuation weight of 55 grams, the Outemu Spring Breeze would suit you well. This switch can provide a more engaging typing experience, ideal for typists who appreciate auditory and tactile cues while typing. In summary, your choice should reflect your preference for silence and smoothness versus tactile feedback and clickiness, allowing you to create the ideal setup for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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