Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard, the switch you select plays a pivotal role in shaping your typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative POK material used for both the top case and stem, providing ultra-smooth typing while enhancing durability. This linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists who value speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a distinctly tactile experience, characterized by its snappy, crisp feel and a rich sound profile thanks to the nylon housing design. Users can expect a clean tactile bump that provides feedback with each keystroke, enriching the overall typing experience. While the Dracula is great for those seeking smoothness and speed, the Quinn appeals to those who appreciate a tactile sensation and a resonant acoustic quality. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Quinn switches, one can note distinct differences, particularly in their top housing materials. The Akko Dracula utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is known for its exceptional durability and low friction coefficient of 0.04. This contributes to a smooth typing experience while enhancing durability, as POK's wear resistance is notably stronger than that of POM and nylon. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn employs nylon for its top housing, a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. While the Dracula’s POK top is engineered for a smooth and clacky feel with reduced friction, the Quinn's nylon top offers a sound experience that is rounder and more subdued.
The bottom housings of both switches present a contrasting narrative. Both the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Quinn incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that they exhibit similar properties: a softer plastic texture that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a deeper acoustic quality when the switches are activated. As a result, when you engage with these switches, the bottom housing significantly influences the typing experience, enriching the sound profile and contributing to the overall feel of the switch. Therefore, while the Akko Dracula excels in its top housing’s durability and smoothness, both switches benefit from the classic characteristics of nylon in their bottom housings.
The blending of these materials creates distinct yet complementary sound and feel profiles for the Akko Dracula and Gateron Quinn switches. Although the top housings differ, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a sound quality that is rich and fulfilling. Ultimately, while the Dracula focuses on durability and a smooth experience through the POK top housing, the Quinn emphasizes a softer, acoustically pleasing typing experience through its nylon top. When using these switches, one can expect unique sensations and feedback based on their respective top materials, but both will deliver a rounded sound thanks to their nylon bottoms, resulting in a similar auditory outcome despite their different designs.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces highlight each switch's unique feel and suitability for different user preferences. The Dracula boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, which can lead to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial, tactile experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort may favor the Akko Dracula, while those who appreciate a stronger typing feel should consider the Gateron Quinn.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find that the Dracula offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Quinn a more responsive option, appealing to gamers or those who favor quicker key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Akko Dracula's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a fuller tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences: if you lean towards responsiveness, the Gateron Quinn is the better option; however, if you enjoy the feel of a more pronounced travel distance, the Akko Dracula will be more suitable.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 offers a smooth typing experience, but specific sound characteristics aren't detailed in the provided information, making it difficult to compare directly with the Gateron Quinn. The Quinn switches, conversely, are noted for their deep, resonant sound profile, characterized as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. This suggests that the Quinn will provide a more robust auditory feedback, enhancing the experience with each keystroke and creating a lively atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula is lauded for its ultra-smooth typing, made possible by the incorporation of POK material, but further specifics are not available. Meanwhile, the Gateron Quinn excels with a snappy and polished feel, due to their responsive design, which is likely to provide an energetic typing experience. The Quinn switches also exhibit bouncy characteristics, giving a lively rebound with every key press, and are described as accented, striking a balance between pronounced tactility and smoothness. This suggests a tactile feedback experience that is both engaging and enjoyable, which may differ significantly from the Dracula's smoother profile.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula linear switch promises a clean and smooth typing experience, its sound and tactile qualities lack detailed descriptions for precise evaluation. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch stands out with its rich auditory presence and responsive feel, making it a more dynamic choice for users who appreciate pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, if smoothness is what you are after, both switches offer unique experiences; the Akko Dracula focuses on fluidity, while the Gateron Quinn balances tactility with crispness, providing an overall engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch largely depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer something light and smooth, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its 45g bottom-out force makes it easy on the fingers, perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue. The ultra-smooth feel, enhanced by the use of POK material, provides a delightful gliding sensation, ideal for those who appreciate a fluid and seamless keystroke without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, if you find joy in a more textured feel and a rich auditory experience, the Gateron Quinn will likely suit you better. With a heavier 67g bottom-out force, you’ll gain a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, while the switch’s resonant and bassy sound profile adds depth and character to your typing, making it engaging and dynamic. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you favor smooth, unbroken strokes or prefer a tactile and sonorous experience, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard to your unique preferences.
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