Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and Outemu Red Panda present two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, is lauded for its pioneering use of POK material in both the top case and stem, which delivers an ultra-smooth typing experience along with enhanced durability. With an innovative design featuring an extra stem hole, the Dracula enables improved airflow, making it an excellent choice for those who seek fluid keystrokes and a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light to medium tactility, providing typists with a satisfying bump that enhances feedback without overwhelming the senses. Its unique sound profile, characterized by a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound combined with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out, appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether one favors the smoothness and silence of a linear switch or the tactile satisfaction and sound dynamics of a tactile option. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Red Panda switches showcase both distinctive and overlapping attributes that profoundly influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Dracula features a POK material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a slightly slicker feel than the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched tone due to its rigidity. While both materials enhance the switch's performance, the Akko Dracula's POK material is specifically engineered for a clacky sound profile, making it particularly suited for users who prefer a dynamic keyboard experience. Conversely, the Red Panda's top housing embraces its polycarbonate composition, resulting in a resonant clarity that benefits RGB lighting aesthetics but does not quite match the smoothness of the POK.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Red Panda utilize nylon, which provides a rich and fuller sound profile, characterized by a softer feel. This similarity means that the sensation when typing on both switches remains consistent in terms of sound absorption qualities. As nylon is known for its ability to diminish higher frequencies, both switches generate a deeper bottom-out sound that enhances typing comfort. Despite their differences in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom does create a level of consistency in the auditory experience, as users will still enjoy that rounded and muted underkey sound regardless of the top's distinctive acoustic properties.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches leads to a nuanced differentiation in sound profiles and user feel. The Dracula's POK top enhances the overall smooth typing experience with a bolder top-out sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top allows for an elevated, clearer tone. Meanwhile, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures both switches deliver a fulfilling typing experience that absorbs sound effectively, creating a balance within each unique design. Through the contrast and similarities of the housing materials, users can find switches that align closely with their personal preferences for sound, aesthetics, and performance, thereby allowing for an adjustable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for longer typing sessions as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a heavier feedback when typing or gaming. Consequently, the Dracula switch would be more comfortable for those who type for extended periods, while the Red Panda may be more desirable for users seeking a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Akko Dracula is the lighter option, while the Outemu Red Panda is the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Dracula switch offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it a suitable choice for those who favor a deeper keypress sensation. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch, with its shorter travel distance, may provide quicker response times, catering more to gamers who desire fast actuation. The difference in travel distances results in the Akko Dracula being the longer option, favored by users who prefer a more substantial feel, whereas the Outemu Red Panda, as the shorter switch, aligns better with those seeking a more rapid keypress. If you lean towards responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda might be ideal, but for those who appreciate a heartier keystroke, the Dracula would be the better choice.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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, the Akko Dracula switch is recognized for its ultra-smooth typing experience, although specific auditory characteristics aren’t detailed in the provided information. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda is noted for its unique sound profile that combines a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep, rich tone reminiscent of a soft knock. This distinct acoustic signature may create a more engaging auditory feedback during typing compared to the unspecified sound profile of the Dracula.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch boasts superior smoothness due to its POK material construction and innovative design, which includes an extra stem hole for improved airflow and overall typing fluidity. However, the specific tactile feedback of the Dracula is not mentioned. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a mild tactile response, providing a balanced typing experience that is approachable for most users. Its gentle feedback ensures that even those new to mechanical keyboards will find it comfortable and easy to adapt to.
In conclusion, while both switches deliver a distinctive typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch emphasizes ultra-smooth operation with innovative engineering, making it potentially more durable and fluid for typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red Panda provides a mild tactile feel alongside a two-toned sound that is both bassy and clackier, offering unique auditory feedback. If sound characteristics and tactile feedback are important to you, trying both switches could lead to a satisfying experience that fits your typing style, with the potential for similar results if the specific qualities of the Dracula align with your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch primarily depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a smooth, lightweight typing experience and prefer a linear switch that minimizes any tactile feedback, the Akko Dracula is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to press, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses are necessary without the distraction of tactile bumps. In contrast, if you appreciate a bit of feedback during your keystrokes and enjoy a more engaging typing sound, the Outemu Red Panda is likely the better fit for you. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a balanced resistance, complemented by its mild tactile feel and satisfying thocky sound profile, which can enhance your enjoyment during both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your selection will hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness with the Dracula or a balanced tactile experience with the Red Panda.
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