Akko Dracula vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a significant role in creating an optimal typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch, known for its ultra-smooth typing and durability thanks to its POK material construction, offers a linear switch experience that is ideal for those who favor a quiet, fluid keystroke without tactile interruptions. Its innovative design also incorporates an extra stem hole to enhance airflow, contributing to a seamless and responsive feel during intense typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple, categorized as a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience, with a snappy sound profile that adds engagement and feedback. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a noticeable response with every keystroke, making it suitable for both typing and gaming applications. Each switch caters to different typing preferences—whether you seek a smooth, linear action or an engaging, tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Polycarbonate
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple, one can observe considerable differences that influence the overall performance and sound profile of the switches. The Dracula utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which is characterized by its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this material offers a slightly smoother experience than the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top housing, known for its crisp and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While both materials allow for a satisfying tactile experience, the POK offers a more muted sound, whereas the polycarbonate enhances the resonance, creating distinct auditory experiences for each switch.
The bottom housing also presents a marked contrast between the two switches. The Dracula employs nylon, a classic material in the switch industry, known for absorbing sound and resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. In comparison, the Polaris Purple features polycarbonate as its bottom housing material, which amplifies sound and delivers a sharper, more resonant audio feedback. This dichotomy between the softer nylon and the stiffer polycarbonate reveals how the bottom housing distinctly contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when it bottoms out, with nylon creating a rounder sound and polycarbonate leaning towards a crisper output.
In instances where both the top and bottom housings are made from different materials, the resultant sensory experience becomes a nuanced blend of both. While the Akko Dracula’s combination of POK and nylon results in smooth, durable, and clacky switches with a deeper sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple's polycarbonate materials contribute to a brighter, more articulated auditory response. Users can relish the benefits of each switch; with the right pairing of materials, one can achieve satisfying results regardless of the differences in housing. The contrasting properties of durability and sound between nylon and polycarbonate, along with the POK’s smooth texture, showcase how carefully selected materials can cater to diverse tactile and auditory preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula switch has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that facilitates longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch is characterized by a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance, but its actuation force is unknown. This implies that the Polaris Purple will require more force to fully press down compared to the Dracula, which could provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer heavier switches. Overall, while the Dracula is designed for comfortable, extended use, the Polaris Purple’s potentially heavier actuation and bottom out forces cater to those seeking a more tactile and resistant typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that the two have different specifications. The Dracula boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Polaris Purple extends to 4 mm. This means that the Polaris Purple provides a longer travel distance, resulting in a more pronounced key press that some users might find gratifying for a deeper feel. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula switch may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it requires less distance to actuate. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Akko Dracula would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced and hearty keystroke, the SP-Star Polaris Purple would be advantageous.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 sound profiles of the Akko Dracula and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches both cater to different auditory preferences. The Dracula switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, leaving some mystery in how it resonates while typing. In contrast, the Polaris Purple is noted for its neutral sound profile which includes a moderate actuation force and a sound level that balances well between subtlety and clarity, making it suitable for various environments, be it home or work. Therefore, while the Dracula's sound remains an open question, the Polaris Purple delivers a sound that is universally acceptable, depending on the overall build of the keyboard.
When discussing the feel, the Akko Dracula switch stands out for its ultra-smooth typing experience attributed to its POK material and innovative design elements. This smoothness is complemented by a unique airflow feature that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a mild tactile feedback that provides a gentle typing sensation, making it accessible to a range of users. Additionally, its polished nature ensures a refined feeling during key presses, minimizing friction for a smooth key travel. This combination leads to a typing experience that is both tactile and elegant, giving it a more approachable character compared to the potentially more specialized feel of the Dracula.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula linear switch emphasizes smoothness and a potentially more dynamic sound experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple combines mild tactile feedback with a neutral auditory quality, creating a versatile typing experience. Users seeking a highly refined and durable feel may gravitate toward the Dracula, while those preferring a balanced tactile experience will enjoy the Polaris Purple. Overall, if you value an ultra-smooth action, the Dracula excels, while the Polaris Purple serves as an excellent middle ground in terms of sound, feel, and general user friendliness.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter touch and a smooth, almost silent typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent option. Its 45g bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. The innovative POK material enhances its durability and smoothness, ensuring you get a refined typing feel without any tactile feedback interruptions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch is where you'll find satisfaction. With a heavier 67g bottom-out force and a satisfying tactile bump, it provides a clear feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy and enjoyment. The neutral sound profile and polished feel make it a versatile choice suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preferences to select the switch that will elevate your keyboard experience.
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