Akko Dracula vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and the TTC Silent Brown provide two distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, is renowned for its ultra-smooth typing capabilities, thanks to its innovative use of POK material and an extra stem hole designed to enhance airflow and durability. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and smooth keystrokes, ideal for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown, categorized as tactile, offers a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium resistance and a satisfying rounded bump that provides feedback without the noise often associated with tactile switches. This makes it perfect for users looking for a polished typing experience in quiet environments. Each switch brings its own unique advantages to the table, catering to different styles of work and play. 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

Akko Dracula Linear

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Dracula and the TTC Silent Brown switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences despite sharing a common bottom housing material. The Dracula's top housing is crafted from polyketone (POK), which offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a low coefficient of friction. This contributes to a smooth, clacky feel when typing and enhances the overall durability of the switches, particularly in terms of wear resistance and shock absorption. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer than POK and thus produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile. The difference in materials ultimately shapes the overall auditory experience, with the Dracula providing a smoother and deeper sound while the Silent Brown excels in delivering crisp notes, particularly under RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency.

While the top housing materials set these switches apart, both the Akko Dracula and the TTC Silent Brown use nylon for their bottom housings, effectively creating a similar sound character in certain aspects. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory feedback upon keystrokes. This shared bottom housing material means that, regardless of the top housing differences, both switches will produce a rounder sound quality when bottoming out, making the experience feel more cohesive. This similarity can provide switch users with a consistent base sound when typing, supporting the idea that even contrasting top housing materials can yield comparable results in the overall sound experience when the bottom housing remains the same.

Ultimately, the interplay between the POK and polycarbonate top housings in the Akko Dracula and TTC Silent Brown, along with their shared nylon bottoms, highlights the nuanced effects of housing materials on keyboard switches. The Dracula’s smooth and softer upper tones integrate well with its resilient bottom, allowing for a prominent bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Silent Brown’s sharper and crisper top housing complements its nylon bottom to produce a rounded auditory feedback during key presses. Therefore, while the differences in top materials lead to varying sound profiles with unique tactile attributes, the shared nylon bottom ensures that both switches can still deliver satisfying performance, with each catering to the preferences of different users.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch with its actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it becomes clear that the Dracula is the lighter option while the Silent Brown is the heavier choice. This difference means that the Dracula switch may be more appealing for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Brown, with its stronger force requirements, offers a more substantial typing experience that some users might find satisfying. Therefore, if you're looking for a lightweight switch to reduce finger fatigue, the Akko Dracula is a better fit, whereas the TTC Silent Brown caters to those who prefer a firmer feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar range of motion when pressing down on either key. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that both switches can deliver comparable typing sensations, making them suitable options for those who prioritize consistent feedback in their keyboard experience. Since they share the same distance, users can expect a similar level of responsiveness, contributing to a uniform feel whether they choose the Dracula or the Silent Brown switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula switch is designed to provide a subtle auditory experience, although specifics about its noise profile are not provided. This allows it to occupy a middle ground that offers a pleasant sound without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches have a clearly defined muted profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter mechanical keyboard. Their design minimizes the characteristic "clacky" sounds common to many switches, thus creating an environment conducive to focus and concentration while typing.

Regarding feel, the Akko Dracula switch is known for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by the use of POK material for both the top case and the stem. This construction not only elevates durability but also contributes to a seamless keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches emphasize a buttery smooth experience complemented by a rounded tactile bump. This tactile feedback, paired with a polished feel, provides a uniform and refined typing sensation, making each keystroke satisfying without any harshness or friction.

Overall, both the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences while ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The Dracula excels in providing smoothness with a resource-efficient design, while the Silent Brown stands out for those who appreciate tactile feedback along with a muted acoustic profile. Depending on your priorities—whether you value smooth linear action or a tactile bump with a quieter sound profile—both switches promise a satisfying experience, albeit with distinct characteristics.

Conclusion

In closing, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter keypress and desire a smooth, almost effortless typing experience, the Akko Dracula would be an excellent option for you. Its innovative design ensures a polished feel, enhanced durability, and reduced friction, making it particularly appealing for those who type for extended periods or engage in fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch and prefer a more pronounced sense of key engagement, the TTC Silent Brown would likely suit you better. It offers a comfortable resistance with a satisfying tactile bump, and the muted sound profile makes it ideal for quieter environments, like shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Therefore, consider how you intend to use your keyboard and what tactile sensations you enjoy the most to make an informed choice between these two distinct yet high-quality switch options.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Dracula Linear

$4.00

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more