Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Smoothie Silver stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Akko Dracula, with its innovative POK material construction, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth feel and enhanced durability, thanks to its unique design that includes an extra stem hole aimed at improving airflow and further amplifying smoothness during use. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize longevity and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver excels with its all-POM composition, offering a short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation. Users who enjoy a "thocky" sound profile and a feather-light touch will find the Smoothie Silver particularly appealing, as it creates a satisfying auditory response while maintaining unparalleled smoothness. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they deliver distinct experiences tailored to different typing styles and sounds. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches utilize different materials for their top housing, contributing distinct characteristics to their overall switch performance. The Akko Dracula features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which is known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material offers a slightly slicker feel compared to the Smoothie Silver's Polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, which has a coefficient of friction of 0.03. While POM is a very strong and stable plastic commonly used for various switching applications, it tends to favor a more muted sound profile. This means that when typing on the Dracula switch, users might experience a more pronounced clacky sound due to the smoother properties of the POK material, whereas the Smoothie Silver is likely to deliver a more subtle sound that is deeper and more restrained.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches utilize POM, albeit in a different context. The presence of POM in the Smoothie Silver’s bottom housing emphasizes a unique sound profile that is deep and muted, which is matched by the nylon bottom of the Dracula switch that also aims for a fuller sound. Nylon, recognized for its softer composition, absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a rounder acoustic experience. While both switches aim to provide a pleasant aural feedback, the fuller sound from the Dracula, thanks to its nylon bottom housing, may feel more enveloping to the user compared to the more contained sound signature of the Smoothie Silver.
Overall, the combination of materials in each switch means that even with differences in top housings, users can still achieve similar sound profiles and tactile feedback. The impact of the bottom housing is significant, as it primarily determines the bottom-out feel and sound. The smoother action of the Akko Dracula's POK top combined with its nylon bottom results in a distinct clacky feel, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver relies on the refined POM materials for a richer but subtly muted experience. Thus, while both switches have contrasting materials that lead to notable differences in sound and feel, the ultimate experience of smoothness and depth can be appreciated in both cases, thanks to the collective qualities derived from their unique material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the difference in actuation force is notable. The Dracula switch requires a light actuation force of 35 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which appeals to users who favor a more substantial tactile experience. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver remains unknown. This lack of information means we cannot directly compare the bottom out force between the two switches. Overall, with the Dracula being lighter and the Smoothie Silver heavier, they cater to different typing preferences—offering a balance between comfort and a robust keystroke feel depending on the user's choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it's clear that the two have different specifications. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Dracula might be favored by those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced feedback during key presses. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for either a more responsive feel or a deeper typing experience.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch is not explicitly detailed in the information provided, so it remains a point of uncertainty. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich tone that resembles a soft thud with each key press. This low-pitched, subdued quality adds to its appeal, offering a satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining a quieter typing experience compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's essential to remember that the sound of any switch can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is again not specifically described, leaving an unknown factor to consider. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, on the other hand, is known for its incredibly smooth feel, often referred to as buttery. This smoothness translates into a seamless and fluid typing experience, allowing for a very effortless keystroke sensation. Additionally, the creamy texture of the Smoothie Silver further enhances this feel, making each press feel like a gentle glide rather than a jarring impact. It’s designed for users who appreciate a silky and cohesive action under their fingertips.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch lacks definitive descriptions for both sound and feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and exceptionally smooth typing experience. Those seeking an enjoyable and quiet typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie Silver, while it’s unclear how the Dracula will perform in comparison. If the Dracula provides a comparable quality in either sound or feel, users can expect a similarly satisfying experience, but specific characteristics regarding the Dracula switch would ultimately need to be explored to fully understand its unique offerings.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a switch that offers a light bottom-out force of 45 grams and a unique POK material design for enhanced smoothness and durability, the Akko Dracula would likely be your best bet. It provides an overall pleasant typing experience and is designed with additional airflow improvements for a fluid performance. On the other hand, if you seek an ultra-fast actuation with a thocky sound profile and buttery feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver might be the superior choice for you. With its all-POM construction and short travel distance, it excels in rapid keystrokes while a creamy texture adds an effortless typing sensation. In essence, for balanced typing with a touch of smooth elegance, go for the Dracula, but when speed and satisfying auditory feedback are your priorities, the Smoothie Silver will serve you well. Whichever switch you choose, you'll be enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your unique needs.
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