Akko Dracula vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect balance between feel and performance, and two exemplary linear switches in this domain are the Akko Dracula and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Akko Dracula switch stands out with its innovative POK material in both the top case and stem, which not only enhances durability but also provides an ultra-smooth typing experience. Additionally, the extra stem hole design improves airflow, making each keystroke feel remarkably effortless. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon distinguishes itself through its progressive spring mechanism and KTT's dry-lube design, contributing to an exceptionally buttery smooth typing feel characterized by its low-pitched, neutral, and mild sound profile. Both switches offer unique advantages: the Akko Dracula’s durability and smoothness versus the Sea Salt Lemon’s gentle tactile feedback and lubricated finish. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches present both similarities and differences that contribute distinctly to each switch's overall performance and sound profile. The top housing of the Dracula is made from POK (polyketone) material, which is known for its exceptional smoothness, durability, and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a tactile experience that enhances the clackiness of the switch. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and clearer sound profile thanks to the material's stiffness. While POK provides a smooth, clacky tone, polycarbonate introduces a resonant sound that is accentuated, especially when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucency. Therefore, while both materials aim to create enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences, they each do so in unique ways, with POK favoring smoothness and polycarbonate leaning towards a resonant clarity.
On the bottom housing side, however, both the Akko Dracula and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share a commonality in using nylon. Nylon is renowned for its ability to soften sound profiles due to its relatively softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. Both switches effectively utilize this material to produce a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more comforting auditory feedback. This similarity underscores how striking a balance in the bottom housing can create a uniform depth of sound, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Thus, while the top housings diverge markedly in their contributions to sound and feel, the common use of nylon in the bottom houses forms a foundation that enriches both switches with similar aural qualities.
In summary, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches harmonizes to yield unique typing experiences. The POK top of the Akko Dracula, with its smooth texture, complements the round, deep sound of the nylon bottom, while the polycarbonate top of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides clarity that is partnered with the softer bottom housing. Both switches, therefore, feature distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles, yet the shared use of nylon ensures a rich sound depth in both cases. Consequently, while users may prefer one switch over the other based on personal sound or tactile preferences, both configurations are likely to deliver satisfying results shaped by their respective material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct user preferences. The Dracula switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions and less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. This difference means that the Dracula switch is lighter overall, making it easier to press for extended periods, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a medium-light touch for those who appreciate a bit more resistance. Therefore, users seeking a lighter and more responsive typing experience might prefer the Akko Dracula, whereas those who like a firmer push could find the KTT Sea Salt Lemon more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Dracula switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. As such, the Sea Salt Lemon is the longer switch, offering a more traditional feel that some users appreciate for its depth. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Dracula switch may appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches cater to different preferences: those who enjoy a more responsive experience might prefer the Dracula, while users who lean towards a more pronounced typing sensation may favor the Sea Salt Lemon.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 notable for its relatively smooth and unobtrusive acoustics, as its design prioritizes quiet operation without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature of the Sea Salt Lemon gives it a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, while its neutral sound makes it versatile enough for various use cases, from home to office environments. Both switches emphasize a quieter operation, but the Sea Salt Lemon's sound character is distinctly warmer due to its low-pitched design.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is engineered for a smooth typing experience thanks to its advanced POK material and airflow-enhanced design, resulting in a pleasant tactile feedback. Although specific descriptive terms for the feel of the Dracula switch are not provided, it is known for offering a refined tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch features a mild feel that caters to a gentle and user-friendly typing experience, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists. The progressive spring and dry-lube design promote a buttery smooth action, which complements the overall mild feel. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Dracula may deliver an elevated level of responsiveness compared to the more laid-back feel of the Sea Salt Lemon.
Overall, both the Akko Dracula and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are designed to provide smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with distinct sound and feel profiles. The Akko Dracula excels in delivering a refined and quiet operation, while the Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its low-pitched tone and mild characteristics. Despite their differences, both switches are excellent choices for users seeking a linear switch experience, emphasizing smoothness and usability. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer the subtle auditory experience of the Sea Salt Lemon or the potentially enhanced responsiveness of the Dracula.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, responsive feel, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent choice thanks to its light bottom-out force of 45 grams, innovative POK material for durability, and enhanced airflow design. This makes it particularly suitable for rapid typing and gaming, where speed and smoothness matter. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier feel with a more progressive typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, may be more appealing to you. The buttery smoothness offered by its progressive spring and dry-lube design, paired with a more neutral sound profile, makes it versatile enough for both office and home use, catering to users who appreciate a balanced sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how much resistance and tactility you desire in your typing experience as well as the context in which you'll primarily be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
