Akko Dracula vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and the KTT Purple Click represent two distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula is a linear switch known for its ultra-smooth operation and enhanced durability, thanks to its innovative POK material and unique design features like an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a quiet and seamless typing experience, ideal for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a more auditory and tactile experience with its high-pitched click sound and light keystrokes that provide a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a dominating tactile sensation and a satisfying auditory cue when they type, making it invigorating for both gaming and general use. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch 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
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the KTT Purple Click switches, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Dracula utilizes polyketone (POK), which is characterized by its smooth feel and robust durability, featuring a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and exceptional wear and shock resistance properties. This contributes to the switch's ability to produce a smooth, clacky sound that many users appreciate. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile, largely due to the material’s relative stiffness and translucency. This design not only helps create a clear auditory experience but also enhances RGB lighting effects owing to polycarbonate's clear nature. While the materials serve different auditory profiles, both aim to provide a satisfying experience, albeit through distinct acoustic characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akko Dracula and the KTT Purple Click share a common choice: nylon. This choice reflects a well-established tradition in switch design, as nylon has its unique advantages, especially in sound modulation. The softness of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder audio experience. With both switches employing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar bottoming-out feel and sound that is rich and pleasant, creating a common ground in their overall auditory performance. This similarity helps balance the distinct qualities brought by their differing top housing materials, as both switches advance beyond the top housing characteristics to influence the final sound and feel experienced by the user.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials between the Akko Dracula and the KTT Purple Click not only lead to variations in sound profiles but also showcase the importance of material choice in switch design. The POK material of the Dracula emphasizes smoothness and durability, while the polycarbonate housing of the Purple Click sharpens audio clarity and adds aesthetic appeal through transparent design. However, the shared nylon bottom housing across both models ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience, as the acoustic qualities are predominantly shaped by this softer material. Therefore, while distinct in composition and resultant sound profiles, users can have a similar foundational experience when engaging with both switches, offering a unique blend of strengths derived from their different yet complementary housing materials.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch present distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to different preferences in typing feel and experience. The Akko Dracula features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. This lower force allows for more effortless typing, making it ideal for prolonged usage, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click has a higher actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light resistance. This added weight gives users a more substantial feel when typing, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push. Therefore, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the lighter Akko Dracula is better suited for those prioritizing comfort over extended periods, while the slightly heavier KTT Purple Click may appeal to individuals desiring a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there is a notable difference. The Akko Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the KTT Purple Click features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. This means that users of the Dracula switch may experience a slightly quicker response time and a feeling of a more responsive keystroke, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking speed. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click's longer travel distance may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, allowing for a more tactile feedback. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or prefers a fuller keystroke experience.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 profile of the Akko Dracula switch remains unspecified, but it can be presumed to provide a smooth experience due to its focus on airflow and overall design. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch is characterized by a resonant and high-pitched click sound, creating a distinct auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. This clicky switch provides a clean and sharp sound that can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy auditory cues when they type. While both switches might ultimately produce varying sound qualities based on the keyboard chassis and keycap materials used, the Purple Click is explicitly designed to deliver an engaging acoustic performance that stands out.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch boasts ultra-smooth actuation thanks to its innovative POK material and added airflow features. While specific descriptors of its tactile feedback are not provided, users can generally expect a fluid typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click offers pronounced tactile feedback that is both invigorating and well-balanced. It features a stepped sensibility, allowing for distinct stages during key actuation without becoming overly harsh, creating a snappy and responsive typing sensation. This pronounced tactility provides a clear distinction in actuation, while the smoother feel of the Dracula may appeal to those looking for a quieter, more seamless experience.
In summary, the Akko Dracula linear switch emphasizes a smoother, quieter typing experience, particularly beneficial for those who prioritize seamless performance and durability. The KTT Purple Click, on the other hand, presents a lively, clicky feedback that caters to users who enjoy sound cues and pronounced tactile responses. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference: if you're seeking a more muted experience with fluidity, the Dracula may be the way to go, whereas if you thrive on auditory and tactile feedback, the Purple Click could be your ideal match.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth, quiet typing experience with a light keystroke, the Akko Dracula switch, with its 45-gram bottom out force and superior airflow design, is an excellent option. This switch excels in scenarios like coding or long document typing sessions where you need comfort and efficiency without audible distractions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more engaging and tactile experience that includes a satisfying auditory feedback, the KTT Purple Click is the way to go. With a 55-gram bottom out force, the Purple Click provides a moderately firm feel, making it great for typists who enjoy pronounced tactile feedback and the distinctive sharp sound that enhances each keystroke. This switch might be your best bet for gaming or creative writing, where the invigorating click adds excitement and satisfaction to the experience. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prefer the quiet, smooth elegance of the Akko Dracula or the lively, resonant feedback of the KTT Purple Click.