Akko Dracula vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options from Akko stand out: the Akko Dracula and the Akko Penguin. The Akko Dracula is a linear switch that is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by its innovative POK material in the top case and stem, as well as an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This design not only enhances durability but also offers a seamless keystroke that many gamers and typists appreciate for its responsiveness. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches introduce a tactile experience with a focus on silence, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices. With a fairly rounded tactile bump, the Penguins provide satisfying feedback while maintaining a muted profile, ensuring a comfortable typing experience during prolonged usage. Both switches serve distinct purposes: the Dracula for those desiring speed and smoothness, and the Penguin for those valuing feedback and quiet operation. 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
43g
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
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Akko Penguin switches present a fascinating study in contrasts and similarities, particularly in terms of their top and bottom housing components. The Dracula switch utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which is notable for its exceptional durability and low friction characteristics. With a coefficient of friction at 0.04, it allows for a smooth keystroke experience, while its wear resistance being 14 times stronger than POM ensures longevity. This hardness also contributes to a specific sound profile when typing, lending a crisp and clacky quality to each keystroke. In contrast, the Penguin employs nylon for its top housing, presenting a softer touch that absorbs sound, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nuanced differences in these two materials greatly influence the tactile experience and audible feedback of the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Akko Dracula and Akko Penguin utilize nylon, which contributes uniformly to their acoustic properties. This shared use of nylon means that both switches will deliver a similar typing experience related to their bottom housing, characterized by a duller, rounder sound profile that absorbs noise more effectively than harder plastics. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, the commonality of nylon ensures a consistent tactile quality across both models at this level. This consistency provides a foundation that may appeal to users who prioritize a certain auditory experience.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula and Akko Penguin differ in their top housing materials—one offering the robustness of POK, and the other the softness of nylon—they converge in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. This blend of materials allows for diverse sound characteristics where the Dracula can provide a sharper, more resonant sound on key release, and the Penguin offers a muted, richer sound while striking the key. Even though the POK and nylon combination of the Dracula lead to a distinct typing feel at the top, the shared nylon bottom still ensures that both switches retain a certain level of auditory harmony when pressed, catering to different preferences effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Dracula switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press, which can be an advantage for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Penguin switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel that provides more resistance. Thus, while the Dracula switch is lighter and may enhance comfort for users who type for long periods, the Penguin switch offers a firmer push which some typists may find more satisfying. Overall, these differences in weight and feel highlight the distinct experiences offered by each switch, enabling users to choose according to their personal preference for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it's clear that the Dracula switch offers a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Penguin switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm can significantly impact the typing experience. For gamers or users who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Penguin may be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a more pronounced tactile feedback might gravitate towards the Dracula switch, which provides a deeper travel experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing and gaming activities.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it strikes a respectable balance that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a more professional setting. This neutrality makes it a versatile choice for users who do not want to draw attention to their typing but still desire the distinct click of a mechanical switch. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is explicitly designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter sound than a typical mechanical switch. This makes it particularly appealing for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin also has a neutral sound quality, ensuring that it can be used comfortably by both newcomers and experienced typists alike.
When evaluating the feel, the Akko Dracula switch is noted for its ultra-smooth typing experience, which enhances durability and offers a seamless keypress thanks to its POK material and innovative airflow design. Users can expect a refined tactile sensation that promotes a fluid typing workflow. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch features a rounded tactile bump, delivering satisfying feedback while being gentle on the fingers. It is described as polished, mild, and even feathery, which means it provides a smooth and less strenuous typing experience, ideal for prolonged use. While the Dracula focuses more on smoothness, the Penguin offers a balanced tactile response that remains approachable for long typing sessions without inducing excessive fatigue.
Overall, both the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences among typists. While the Dracula emphasizes an ultra-smooth, neutral sound experience suitable for various environments, the Penguin excels in providing a muted sound profile with a gentle tactile feel, perfectly suited for quiet spaces. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a smooth typing action or a tactile feedback experience, but either switch can deliver satisfying results for both casual typing and extended computer use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch should hinge largely on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience and require a lighter actuation force, the Akko Dracula is the ideal option for you. Its innovative POK material enhances durability and offers an ultra-smooth feel, making it perfect for gamers or writers who type extensively without strain. On the other hand, if you find yourself in an office or shared workspace environment and are looking for a switch that combines satisfying tactile feedback with noise minimization, then the Akko Penguin would be your go-to choice. Its medium weight and muted sound profile offer a comfortable typing experience without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so it's essential to assess what aspects matter most for your typing or gaming style.
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