Akko Dracula vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options are the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, ensuring ultra-smooth typing experiences with increased durability. This switch also features an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and overall typing fluidity, making it a great choice for users who value a seamless keystroke action. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are designed with a focus on speed, boasting a shorter activation point paired with a long pole stem for a unique typing feel—akin to the rhythm of a dynamic duo. Their creamy sound signature enhances the auditory experience, appealing to those who appreciate a touch of acoustic delight in their typing journey. Both switches present compelling arguments depending on your typing style and preferences; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Splash Brothers exhibits both similarities and notable differences. The Akko Dracula features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which is known for its low coefficient of friction (0.04), contributing to a smooth keypress experience. This material's exceptional durability, with wear resistance 14 times greater than that of traditional POM and a shock resistance surpassing nylon and POM, also promises longevity and resilience in a keyboard application. In contrast, the Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. While polycarbonate offers a similarly durable option, its stiffer nature results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound characteristic makes the two switches unique in their auditory feedback, even if both prioritize durability.
In the case of the bottom housing, both the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize nylon, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, creating a rounder feel when typing. As both switches incorporate nylon for this component, users will experience a consistent auditory quality, regardless of their choice between the two. This shared material ensures that the base sound profile remains sound and consistent, offering a balanced typing experience across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom housing delineates the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Akko Dracula's POK top delivers a smoother and more durable experience, while the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top creates a brighter, more resonant soundscape. When pressed, both switches provide the cushioned, deeper sound derived from the nylon bottom, allowing users to enjoy a rich audio experience that remains constant despite the variations in the top materials. Thus, while the top housings contribute distinct auditory characteristics, the preserved nylon bottom of each switch connects them, resulting in an engaging typing experience across both products.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Akko Dracula features a light actuation force of 35 grams, which allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it ideal for both work and long gaming sessions. In contrast, the actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers is unknown, which limits our ability to fully compare the two in terms of how light or heavy the initial keystroke feels. However, the Splash Brothers does have a bottom out force of 48 grams, slightly heavier than the Dracula's 45 grams. This means that while the Dracula offers a lighter typing experience, the Splash Brothers, with its unknown actuation force and slightly higher bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter experience, the Akko Dracula would be the better choice, while the Jwick Splash Brothers may provide a firmer push, depending on its actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Dracula switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm means that the Dracula switch offers a deeper feel, which can be ideal for those who appreciate more substantial feedback when typing or gaming. Meanwhile, the Splash Brothers, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for fast-paced actions. Ultimately, individuals who lean towards a more responsive experience may prefer the Splash Brothers, whereas those who enjoy a fuller keystroke might favor the Akko Dracula.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
The Akko Dracula switch is renowned for its ultra-smooth typing experience, which likely leads to a more muted sound profile due to the POK material used in its construction. However, specific details about the sound of the Dracula switch are not mentioned, leaving it somewhat ambiguous in comparison. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches feature a creamy sound signature, characterized as neutral, which makes them versatile for various settings, whether at home or in the office. Given that the sound of a switch can be influenced by multiple factors like the keyboard and keycaps, both switches could provide a satisfying auditory experience, but the Splash Brothers' sound profile is more defined.
When it comes to feel, the Dracula switch excels through its innovative design, providing an incredibly smooth typing experience complemented by improved airflow from its extra stem hole. This gear seems to be tailored for users who favor a high level of responsiveness and comfort. The Splash Brothers switch, however, presents a multifaceted typing feel with characteristics like mildness, snappiness, bounciness, subtlety, and polished craftsmanship. This combination creates an engaging typing sensation that can appeal to a wide range of users, offering everything from gentle resistance to lively feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Dracula and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches provide unique qualities, their differences cater to varied preferences among typists. The Dracula focuses on smoothness and durability, likely yielding a quieter performance, while the Splash Brothers shine with their creamy sound and dynamic feel. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results: the choice between them hinges on whether one prioritizes an ultra-smooth experience or a more lively and varied tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you value an ultra-smooth, lightweight typing experience with enhanced durability, the Akko Dracula switch, with its innovative POK material and unique airflow design, is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, whether you’re engaged in productive work or enjoying some casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic typing experience with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers are likely to be more appealing. Their shorter activation point and creamy sound signature make them great for fast-paced gaming and typing scenarios where speed and responsiveness are key. Both options are light, but the distinct characteristics and sound profiles set them apart; select the Akko Dracula for a polished, subtle touch, or the Jwick Splash Brothers for a fun, lively feel.
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