Akko Dracula vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and KTT Purple Star present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch distinguishes itself with its innovative POK material and extra stem hole, ensuring ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability, making it a solid choice for users who value longevity and a sleek feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star shines with its all-POM construction that provides a buttery smooth experience, coupled with a gentle 45g bottom-out, catering especially to lighter typists who prioritize comfort and ease of use. While both switches offer distinct advantages—one emphasizing durability and smoothness, the other focusing on a light tactile experience—there are key differences that may sway your decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Dracula and the KTT Purple Star switches, a noticeable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Akko Dracula employs POK (polyketone) material, which is celebrated for its low coefficient of friction at 0.04, slightly higher than the KTT Purple Star's POM (polyoxymethylene) at 0.03. While both materials contribute to smooth keypresses, POK's superior durability and shock resistance—being 14 times stronger than POM—indicate that it may withstand more intensive usage over time. These qualities not only enhance the switch's longevity but also lend an overall clacky sound that is a hallmark of the Dracula series. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Purple Star fosters a unique and muted sound profile, allowing for a deeper auditory experience that may appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing environment.
The contrast continues with the bottom housing materials, where the Dracula utilizes nylon while the Purple Star employs POM. Nylon is renowned for its softer plastic properties, which absorb sound and deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile, elevating the tactile experience of the switch. This contrasts with the Purple Star's POM bottom housing, which is also noted for creating a pleasing sound, albeit with a more muted character. Despite these differences, both switches promise an engaging auditory experience, albeit tailored to distinct preferences. Typing on the Dracula can elicit a rounder and duller sound due to the nylon, while the POM in the Purple Star leans toward a unique sound signature that balances depth and subtlety.
Ultimately, both the Akko Dracula and KTT Purple Star switches combine their unique top and bottom housing materials to deliver distinctive results. The qualities of the housings play pivotal roles in shaping the overall sound and tactile feedback experienced by users. For instance, in scenarios where the top and bottom housings are different, it becomes clear that the impact of each material will be discernible during use: the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the release sound. Thus, while both switches can yield high-quality typing experiences, they cater to diverse user preferences—whether in the clacky and durable nature of the Akko Dracula or the muted and smooth character of the KTT Purple Star.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during extended use, such as at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a firmer touch when typing. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch, the Akko Dracula is the better choice, while the KTT Purple Star caters to those who prefer a heavier tactile experience. Despite both switches being categorized as light, the difference in their forces may influence user preference based on comfort during long typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, the differences become quite evident. The Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive typing and gaming experience, the Purple Star may be the better choice due to its shorter distance, allowing for quicker actuation and rapid key presses. However, for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Dracula's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a slightly more pronounced experience, which could be preferable for regular typing or when a tactile feedback sensation is desired. In summary, the Akko Dracula offers a longer travel distance, making it suitable for users seeking a deeper feel, while the KTT Purple Star's shorter travel distance can cater to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics, the Akko Dracula switch has not been explicitly described in the provided material, leaving its auditory qualities a bit of a mystery. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches boast a low-pitched sound profile, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched options. This neutral sound signature can create a pleasing auditory environment, especially when typing, providing a calm and unobtrusive backdrop while you work or game.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is noted for its ultra-smooth typing experience enhanced by POK material and an innovative design that incorporates an extra stem hole for improved airflow and overall feel. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches offer a mild typing experience, characterized by gentle resistance during key presses. This mildness, combined with their light 45g bottom-out force, makes them particularly comfortable for light typists, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Both switches focus on creating a smooth typing experience, with the Dracula leaning more toward performance-enhancing design features.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch excels in smoothness and durability with its POK material and innovative design, the KTT Purple Star provides a pleasant, low-pitched sound along with a mild and easy-to-press feel. Although the sound quality of the Dracula switch is not specified, both switches share a focus on providing comfort for their users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, but either option promises a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the typing experience you prioritize. If you value an ultra-smooth feel and innovative design that enhances both durability and airflow, the Akko Dracula is likely your best bet, particularly if you enjoy a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams that makes typing comfortable, especially for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, the KTT Purple Star could be a better fit for you, as it provides a mild typing experience with a softer, low-pitched sound. This switch offers ease and comfort, making it ideal for lighter typists who desire a gentle resistance and a relaxing typing feel without sacrificing responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and how much you value sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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