Akko Dracula vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the vibrant world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and KTT Strawberry stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Akko Dracula is celebrated for its innovative design that incorporates POK material in both the top case and stem, promoting ultra-smooth typing experiences while enhancing durability. Its additional stem hole elevates airflow, contributing to a seamless keystroke feel. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry boasts a visually appealing design with its pink and clear housings, renowned for its smooth actuation and frictionless experience, making it a favorite among those seeking a buttery feel and polished performance. While both switches offer smooth typing experiences, the Dracula prioritizes durability and airflow, whereas the Strawberry emphasizes a more comfortable, polished touch. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and KTT Strawberry switches utilize different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Dracula's top housing is crafted from polyketone (POK), a material known for its durability and smooth feel. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a slightly sticky tactile experience that enhances the clack when typing. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, more resonant sound. This stiffer material results in a crisper auditory feedback, making both switches distinct in their acoustic characteristics. While both switches aim for high-quality performance, the Dracula emphasizes a smooth and clacky sound driven by its POK top, whereas the Strawberry delivers a clearer and higher-pitched tone thanks to its polycarbonate construction.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a contrasting approach as well. The Dracula features nylon for its bottom housing, a material traditionally praised for absorbing sound and generating a fuller, deeper sound profile. This resulting sound is more muted compared to the Strawberry, which also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing. In doing so, the KTT Strawberry maintains a consistent sound profile across both the top and bottom, producing a sharper acoustic experience overall. The nylon used in the Dracula's bottom housing, while excellent at sound dampening, offers a stark contrast to the crispness of the polycarbonate used in both the Strawberry’s top and bottom. This distinction emphasizes how the choice of bottom housing not only affects the sound when bottoming out but also how it interacts with the top housing's qualities.
In conclusion, despite some overlap in the utilization of polycarbonate for the KTT Strawberry's top and bottom housings, the Akko Dracula distinguishes itself with the implementation of nylon and POK. The differing material choices define the overall sound and feel of each switch, ultimately catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. While both switches possess unique strengths—smoothness and durability from the Dracula versus the sharper sound from the Strawberry—the contrasting materials also showcase how switching the housing can lead to divergent auditory experiences. Nevertheless, for users prioritizing sound feedback and aesthetics, the polycarbonate's translucency provides a significant advantage for RGB lighting effects, enabling customization regardless of the underlying material.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, while both switches offer unique typing experiences, the lighter Dracula may be favored for extended use, whereas the heavier Strawberry could be the preferred choice for users seeking a more tactile and robust feedback. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users’ preferences will largely dictate which switch suits them best.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we find that they differ slightly in their measurements. The Akko Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Strawberry features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Vampire switch, you'll experience a slightly shorter actuation point, which can enhance responsiveness, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Strawberry's greater depth may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Thus, your choice between these switches would largely depend on whether you favor responsiveness or a more substantial feel during usage.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula switch does not have a specific description available, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat of a mystery. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is pleasing to the ear. This tonal quality can create a satisfying auditory experience during typing, potentially offering a more subdued and focused atmosphere conducive to work or gaming. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by additional factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choice, which means users may achieve similar auditory results with the Dracula switch depending on how it's set up.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch is noted for its use of POK material, which enhances smoothness and durability, but lacks a detailed description about the specific tactile sensations it offers. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry switch excels with a frictionless feel, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. Descriptors such as “silky,” “buttery,” and “polished” reinforce the idea that the Strawberry delivers not just smoothness but also an elevated tactile satisfaction due to its refined finish and fluid actuation. This range of sensations contributes to a typing experience that many users find exceptionally enjoyable, while the Dracula switch's precise feel remains to be fully articulated.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch promises an ultra-smooth and durable typing experience thanks to its innovative design, specifics about its sound and tactile sensations are not provided, leaving some ambiguity. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile alongside a variety of silky and frictionless tactile sensations, making it a highly appealing choice for those seeking a smooth typing experience. If you're choosing between the two, the Akko Dracula may still deliver commendable qualities, but the KTT Strawberry will likely provide a more refined auditory and tactile experience, assuming you prefer that sort of performance. Ultimately, both switches can offer satisfying results, but the KTT Strawberry seems to have a more defined and celebrated characteristic set.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter touch and prioritize a smooth, ultra-slick typing experience, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice thanks to its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, innovative POK material, and design features that enhance airflow and durability. You may find its typing feel to be very comfortable for prolonged use, especially if you're someone who values a seamless, frictionless experience. Conversely, if you prefer a bit more resistance and appreciate a more refined, polished feel while typing, the KTT Strawberry switch with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams could be more suitable. Its low-pitched sound and silky actuation offer a balance of tactile feedback and smoothness, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. In the end, your personal comfort and typing style should guide your decision between these two finely tuned options, ensuring you select the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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