Akko Dracula vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, particularly when comparing the Akko Dracula and the Durock Piano, both of which are linear switches. The Akko Dracula is renowned for its innovative use of POK material in its top case and stem, contributing to ultra-smooth typing while enhancing durability. Additionally, its unique design features an extra stem hole that facilitates improved airflow and offers a smooth keypress experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are known for their proprietary material blend, which results in a remarkably pleasant typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Dracula emphasizes durability and smoothness, the Piano focuses on the auditory and tactile pleasures of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Durock Piano, we see significant differences in the top housing that affect their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Dracula features a top housing made from POK (polyketone) material, known for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction. This smoothness contributes to a clackier and more responsive typing experience, enhanced by POK's impressive resistance to wear and shock. In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which, while not as thoroughly described, is recognized for contributing a satisfying sound profile. The subtle differences in these materials suggest that while both switches may ultimately provide a pleasant typing experience, the Dracula is likely to produce a sharper acoustic result due to its superior durability and friction characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Akko Dracula and the Durock Piano utilize nylon and a proprietary POM blend, respectively. The Dracula's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper, fuller sound profile owing to the material's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This allows for a more rounded bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience. While the Piano’s bottom housing also employs a POM blend, it is designed to yield a similarly deep sound profile, though it may not match the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon directly. Therefore, while both models aim to offer a satisfying auditory experience, the Dracula likely offers a more pronounced depth due to its nylon material.
Ultimately, even with differing materials, both the Akko Dracula and the Durock Piano can achieve comparable sound profiles thanks to their design intent and housing combination. The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials influences the overall typing experience, with the switch's acoustics being split between the two. The Dracula takes advantage of its POK and nylon combination for a balanced, sharp sound when pressing down, while the Durock Piano utilizes its proprietary blend to enhance the overall depth of sound while maintaining a satisfying tactile feel. Therefore, despite utilizing different materials, both switches can reach a level of quality that satisfies typists, each offering a unique take on the switch experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer feel for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Durock Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy resistance, offering a more substantial typing experience. However, the actuation force for the Durock Piano switch is unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall feel in comparison to the Dracula. Overall, the Dracula is the lighter switch, appealing to those who prioritize ease of use over substantial resistance, whereas the Piano is the heavier switch, catering to users who prefer a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we find that the Dracula has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Piano's 4 mm. This means that the Akko Dracula may be more appealing to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times due to its slightly reduced distance, allowing for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience that some users find more satisfying, as it offers a bit more depth and feedback with each keypress. Thus, if responsiveness is key for you, the Akko Dracula would be the preferred option; however, if you favor a more pronounced typing feel, the Durock Piano would likely be more enjoyable.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch is recognized for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience without the added noise of clicking mechanisms. While it may not have a specific sound signature attributed to it, the emphasis on airflow and smoothness suggests that the auditory experience is designed to lean towards a clean and subtle sound. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its deep, bassy sound profile, which provides a rich auditory experience during key presses. This depth adds a satisfying layer to the typing experience, contributing to a more enjoyable atmosphere, particularly in a setting where sound can be appreciated.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch offers an ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its innovative design that incorporates POK material and an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This results in a typing experience that minimizes any disruptions or interruptions, providing a reliable and consistent feel when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch boasts a silky feel, enhancing the smoothness further and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This combination of features gives the Piano an effortless glide that many users find comfortable and satisfying.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Durock Piano switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Dracula provides a quieter and smooth typing experience, while the Piano stands out with its deep sound and silky feel. Depending on your overall setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, you can find elements of similarity in smoothness and sound experience. Whether you prioritize a discreet auditory profile or a lush, bassy sound, each switch has distinct traits that will undoubtedly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Dracula and the Durock Piano linear switches, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and usage context. If you favor a lighter, more responsive feel during your typing sessions and desire an ultra-smooth experience with enhanced durability, then the Akko Dracula switch, with its 45 grams bottom-out force and innovative POK material, might be the ideal choice for you. It's particularly suited for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where quick response times are critical. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile sensation that offers a satisfying resistance with each keystroke, the Durock Piano switch could be more up your alley. Known for its silky feel and deep, creamy sound, the Piano excels in providing a richer auditory feedback and a pleasant typing experience, making it great for extended typing sessions or when you enjoy that deeper sound profile that feels luxurious under your fingers. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother keystroke with the Draculas or a more weighted, robust feel with the Pianos, as both bring unique strengths to your mechanical keyboard experience.
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