Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out as impressive linear options, each catering to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The Akko Dracula is renowned for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, resulting in an ultra-smooth typing sensation paired with remarkable durability. Its unique design features an extra stem hole that enhances airflow, contributing to an exceptionally fluid feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch excels in providing a quieter typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who need to keep noise levels to a minimum in shared or professional environments. With its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, it offers a blend of comfort and discretion. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them, whether it’s the smooth durability of the Akko Dracula or the silent comfort of the Gateron Silent Ink Black. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their compositions and sound profiles. The Akko Dracula features a top housing constructed from POK (polyketone), a material noted for its smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This gives the Dracula an edge in terms of tactile fluidity during typing. Moreover, POK's remarkable durability and shock resistance enhance the overall lifespan of the switch while contributing to a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which creates a relatively high-pitched and pointed sound. While both houses aim to deliver a smooth finish, the tonal characteristics diverge significantly—Dracula leans more towards a clackier sound, while the Silent Ink Black offers a sharper, yet not overly piercing auditory experience.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar divergence in material choice and sound output. The Akko Dracula's bottom housing employs nylon, a traditional material recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities, which dampens sound to provide a fuller, deeper auditory experience. The transition from pressing down to bottoming out in these switches results in a warm resonance, differing markedly from the Silent Ink Black's zeroing in on a high-pitched and crisp sound profile due to its proprietary INK blend. This variation means that while both switches come equipped with unique bottom housings, the auditory feedback during the key press is markedly different; the Dracula provides a rounder sound, whereas the Silent Ink is defined by its pointed clack.
Ultimately, when a switch employs different materials for the top and bottom housings, the interplay between these materials influences the overall sound and feel that users experience. For instance, pressing down on the Akko Dracula will yield a deeper sound owing to the softer nylon bottom, while its POK top contributes to the clackiness when releasing the key. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a harmonious combination of sounds from both its top and bottom housing, focusing predominantly on a higher-pitched profile during key strokes. While some sonic qualities may overlap due to certain shared design intentions, the specific materials dictate notably distinct acoustic and tactile experiences for each switch, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing aesthetic.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler keystroke, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This fundamental difference suggests that while the Dracula is designed for ease of use over extended periods, the Silent Ink Black offers a more robust feel that some users may prefer. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Akko Dracula, whereas those who appreciate a heavier push would find the Gateron Silent Ink Black to be a better match.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, a notable difference emerges: the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Ink Black measures 4 mm. This makes the Akko Dracula the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel during key presses, which is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may cater to users who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keypress that doesn’t feel as abrupt. Consequently, if responsiveness is a priority, the shorter travel distance of the Akko Dracula would be the preferable choice, while those valuing a more traditional feel might lean towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Akko Dracula linear switch produces a sound profile that is not explicitly characterized in the provided information, but its overall design suggests it may have a moderate sound due to its ultra-smooth POK material construction. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is specifically designed for quieter typing, making it ideal for those who work in shared or noise-sensitive environments. With its minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black provides a more subdued typing experience, further promoting a quieter workspace. However, it’s essential to recognize that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, meaning that users can experience variations regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch excels with its smooth typing experience due to its innovative design, which includes an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and overall fluidity during use. This design makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a seamless and responsive keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a distinctive "silky" feel, characterized by a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out sensation. This silky quality minimizes resistance, allowing for an exceptionally smooth typing experience as well, albeit with the added benefit of reduced noise. While both switches aim to provide a high level of smoothness in their actuation, the distinct qualities—such as the more pronounced quietness of the Silent Ink Black—set them apart.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches offer desirable qualities, they cater to somewhat different user needs. The Dracula's focus on durability and smoothness might attract those looking for a reliable and responsive typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black stands out as the go-to option for users seeking a quieter environment without sacrificing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, especially concerning sound levels and tactile feedback, given their unique characteristics in these areas.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams that allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its unique POK material construction ensures an ultra-smooth typing experience while providing durability, making it perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. However, if you find yourself in a quiet workspace or simply desire a more subdued typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black may be more suitable for you. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushy feel and minimal audio feedback, allowing you to type without disturbing others. In the end, whether you lean towards the light touch and smoothness of the Dracula or the silky, whisper-quiet operation of the Silent Ink Black, each switch has its own distinctive attributes that cater to different typing needs and preferences.
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