Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, promoting ultra-smooth keystrokes and exceptional durability. With a unique design featuring an extra stem hole for enhanced airflow, it ensures a typing experience that feels seamless and fluid. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its medium-weight, all-POM construction, which strikes an ideal balance of quality and affordability. Its thocky sound profile combined with smooth actuation results in a satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate. While both switches share a linear characteristic, making them ideal for gamers and typists seeking noiseless keypresses, they each bring unique qualities to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the materials used for their top housings reveal both similarities and differences that contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch. The Dracula employs POK, or polyketone, for its top housing, which is renowned for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exemplary durability, demonstrated by its 14 times greater wear resistance compared to POM. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, which, while having a slightly lower coefficient of friction (0.03), still produces a smooth and satisfying typing experience. In terms of performance, while the materials differ, both types are designed to function well with superior smoothness and can yield similarly satisfying results, although the sound characteristics may vary due to the differences in durability and friction properties.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Dracula utilizes nylon, a material known for its softer and sound-absorbing characteristics, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie also opts for POM in its bottom housing, resulting in a unique and muted sound. Here, the differences between nylon and POM become more pronounced; nylon’s softer nature offers a rounder sound experience, while POM creates a distinctively deeper profile. However, as each switch's bottom housing significantly impacts sound and feel during keystrokes, both materials excel in providing a compelling acoustic feedback, albeit with contrasting characteristics that could appeal to different tactile preferences.
In combining the properties of both the top and bottom housings, it becomes evident that the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie can achieve certain similarities in typing performance despite their material differences. The Dracula's POK and nylon pairing provides robustness and a richly resonant sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM components similarly create a satisfying auditory experience, albeit in a slightly more muted fashion. Ultimately, while the unique characteristics of each material contribute to their distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches can deliver an engaging typing experience characterized by smoothness and durability, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking quality in their keyboard setups.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation force. The Akko Dracula features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch while typing or gaming, as it allows for extended use without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a considerably heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, leaving some ambiguity regarding how it compares to the Akko Dracula’s bottom out force. Overall, if you’re seeking a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, the Akko Dracula would be the more suitable option, while those who prefer a firmer keystroke may gravitate towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Dracula has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm means that for users who prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a softer landing, the Akko Dracula may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers looking for an edge in their performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences—whether one appreciates a more substantial feel or a quicker actuation.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 comparing the sound quality of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Dracula is rumored to provide a pleasing acoustic experience, likely characterized by a subtle yet engaging sound profile that enhances typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is noted for its thocky sound profile, which tends to evoke a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. Both switches can produce comparable sound experiences depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, leading to a similarly enjoyable auditory environment.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch stands out with its introduction of POK material in the construction, which ensures a remarkably smooth typing experience. This is complemented by an innovative design that includes an additional stem hole aimed at improving both airflow and overall smoothness. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, being an all-POM switch, delivers exceptional smoothness while offering a medium-weight actuation. This combination may provide a slightly different tactile experience to the user but is still aimed at seamless typing. Overall, while both switches emphasize smoothness, the unique materials and weights may appeal to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, when considering the Akko Dracula and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, both options present appealing qualities, albeit with subtle distinctions that cater to different user experiences. The Dracula leans toward a more refined sound and feel due to its advanced material design, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides an affordable yet high-quality alternative with a bold audio signature. Choosing between them may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and tactile feedback, as both switches promise a smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the experience you wish to achieve. If you favor a lighter key feel with an emphasis on ultra-smooth typing and durability, the Akko Dracula switch might be your go-to. Its innovative POK material ensures not only a smooth action but also enhanced longevity, making it an excellent choice for long hours of typing. Conversely, if you're seeking a switch that provides a thocky sound profile and a medium-weight feel, then the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is worth considering. This switch balances quality and affordability, making it a fantastic option if you're looking to enjoy a satisfying sound and tactile feedback without breaking the bank. Ultimately, consider your typing style, as well as the importance of sound and feel, to select the switch that aligns perfectly with your preferences.
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