Akko Dracula vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options from Akko stand out: the Akko Dracula and the Akko V3 Piano Pro. The Akko Dracula switch is renowned for its use of POK material in both its top case and stem, resulting in ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability. Its innovative design features an extra stem hole that promotes improved airflow, ensuring a seamless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches boast a long pole design that delivers a lively and crisp sound signature, adding a distinct auditory charm to your typing while maintaining a smooth actuation that offers a satisfying tactile feel. While the Dracula focuses on durability and smoothness, the V3 Piano Pro excels in sound and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the Akko Dracula and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, significant differences emerge, specifically in their top housing compositions. The Akko Dracula showcases a POK (polyketone) material in its top housing. This choice contributes to a remarkably smooth operation due to POK's low coefficient of friction of 0.04, which surpasses that of nylon used in the V3 Piano Pro, at 0.03. Additionally, POK's durability is impressive, being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM and significantly more shock-resistant than other materials like Nylon. The smoother surface and increased durability of POK enhance the overall typing experience, contributing to what many users describe as a smooth and clacky switch feel.
In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic choice that renders a different typing experience. Nylon, being a softer material, tends to absorb sound more effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper, clackier notes produced by the POK top housing of the Dracula. This characteristic of nylon not only influences the auditory output but also affects the tactile feedback of the switch. As both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, the V3 Piano Pro’s sound absorption capabilities will resonate through both its top and bottom housings, leading to a more subdued and rounder auditory profile compared to the more vibrant tones from the Dracula's POK top.
Despite these fundamental differences in the top housing materials, both switches possess nylon in their bottom housing, leading to consistent performance in certain aspects. The similar use of nylon on the bottom contributes to the deep and rich sound profile, which is a hallmark for both switches, making them satisfying to type on. This commonality means that even if the top housings present different benefits, users can still expect a certain level of auditory and tactile satisfaction that stems from the nylon bottom housing in both models. In essence, while the POK and nylon materials create distinct experiences at the top level, the shared nylon characteristic ensures that a portion of the feel and sound will remain consistent across both the Akko Dracula and the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula has 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 for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This differentiation in weight means that the Dracula provides a gentler typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a firmer push, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger resistance. Ultimately, those looking for comfort during long sessions may favor the lighter Dracula, whereas those seeking a more tactile feedback may gravitate towards the heavier V3 Piano Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we see notable differences in their design. The Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Consequently, the Dracula is the longer switch, offering a more pronounced depth with each press. This may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience, as longer travel distances can feel more substantial and satisfying. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to provide faster response times, which is often favored by gamers for its quick actuation. Thus, if you seek a balance between depth and responsiveness, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you prefer the longer 3.8 mm travel of the Dracula or the more immediate feel of the 3.5 mm V3 Piano Pro.
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 V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula switch has not been explicitly described, which leaves its auditory experience somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a distinctively clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone with a bright and percussive quality. The resonance of the V3 Piano Pro further enhances this auditory experience, providing a clean, higher-pitched sound that can be categorized as immersive. As sound is also influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users can expect a lively and engaging auditory experience with the V3 Piano Pro switch.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch remains a bit of a mystery as its tactile characteristics have not been detailed. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro boasts a range of tactile sensations—bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky—making it a versatile choice for typists. The bouncy feedback gives each keystroke a lively quality, while the creamy feel provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. Furthermore, the polished aspect enhances the overall sleekness of the key travel, reducing friction, and the silky sensation ensures effortless gliding across the keys. These qualities combine to create a refined and enjoyable typing experience with the V3 Piano Pro.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula's sound profile and feel remain undefined, the Akko V3 Piano Pro stands out with its engaging auditory qualities and versatile tactile sensations. Those who prioritize a lively typing experience with clear feedback may find the V3 Piano Pro to be a superior option. However, without specific descriptions for the Dracula switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Users seeking smoothness and durability might lean towards the Dracula for its POK material and innovative design, while those valuing sound and a lively feel will likely enjoy the nuanced auditory and tactile qualities of the V3 Piano Pro.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you are a newcomer who favors a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, the Dracula is an excellent choice. This switch's innovative POK material and extra stem hole provide a quality typing experience characterized by ultra-smoothness and enhanced durability, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and responsiveness are crucial. However, if you prefer a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 55 grams, and the auditory delight of a clacky and resonant sound signature, the V3 Piano Pro is the way to go. Its long pole design offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a lively typing experience that can make each keystroke feel engaging and rewarding. In summary, choose the Akko Dracula for a lighter, smoother experience, or go for the V3 Piano Pro if you value a more pronounced auditory feedback and a satisfying, textured typing feel.
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