Akko Dracula vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves weighing the merits of different options, and two popular linear switches to consider are the Akko Dracula and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The Akko Dracula switch stands out due to its unique POK material in both the top case and stem, which not only promotes ultra-smooth typing but also enhances durability—a key factor for gamers and typists alike. Additionally, its innovative design features an extra stem hole that improves airflow, allowing for a smoother keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is known for its superb smoothness, thanks to the latest molds employed by Huano. This switch offers a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasing middle ground—not overly quiet, yet not too resonant—making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback without being disruptive. Each switch presents compelling reasons to be chosen: the Akko Dracula for its enhanced durability and innovative design, and the Strawberry Latte for its superior smoothness and balanced sound. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Akko Dracula and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their top housing. Both switches utilize POK (polyketone) for their top housings, which is revered for its smoothness, durability, and sound characteristics. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK presents a slightly smoother experience compared to other materials like LY. The strength and wear resistance of POK are impressive, being 14 times more durable than POM and also demonstrating superior shock resistance. This shared use of POK in the top housing means that both the Dracula and Strawberry Latte will likely deliver similarly smooth and clacky sound profiles, enhancing the typing experience through consistent responsiveness.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a traditional choice known for its acoustic properties. Nylon's relatively softer texture contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, providing a distinctive typing experience that is both muted and rounded. This material choice means that both the Dracula and Strawberry Latte will exhibit comparable acoustic characteristics when pressed, reinforcing the low, dampened sound that comes from nylon. While both switches will share these qualities, the overall feel and sound will still depend on the interplay between the POK top housing and the nylon bottom housing. The combination of these materials ensures that both switches deliver a balanced performance that emphasizes durability and auditory satisfaction.
Ultimately, despite minor variations in branding and design aesthetics, the Akko Dracula and Huano Strawberry Latte switches can be expected to perform similarly due to their shared use of POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. The POK provides a smooth, responsive feel upon actuation, while the nylon contributes to a soft, pleasant sound profile upon bottoming out. The consistent use of high-quality materials across both models helps provide users with cohesive tactile and auditory experiences, making them attractive options for those seeking reliable and enjoyable mechanical switches. This cohesion across different components is key to achieving a desirable typing experience that balances both sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch display a notable similarity in their specifications, boasting an identical actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users will have a consistent experience in terms of the force required to register a keystroke and the resistance felt when pressing the switch down fully. Both switches are classified as light, making them suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as the lighter forces reduce fatigue. Consequently, users seeking a more substantial typing feel or stronger push feedback may find these switches less appealing, as neither offers the heavier resistance that some prefer. Overall, with both switches delivering similar metrics, users can expect an analogous typing experience if they choose either option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Akko Dracula features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte. This means that if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth for a more pronounced tactile feel, the Dracula is the better choice. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the distinct preference for either a longer or shorter travel distance will ultimately influence the user's experience based on their typing or gaming style.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Dracula linear switch is characterized by a generally pleasant typing experience, though specific acoustic qualities need further detail. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile; it strikes a harmonious middle ground—it's neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This balance can lead to a satisfying auditory experience without being distracting, making it suitable for both work and leisure environments. However, the overall sound experience of both switches can still vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch stands out for its ultra-smooth typing experience, largely attributed to its innovative POK material in the components, which enhances both durability and smooth operation. Additionally, the extra stem hole designed to improve airflow further contributes to the switch's tactile feedback. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is noted for its super smooth actuation, benefiting from the latest molds that offer a refined feel. While both switches provide a smooth experience, the Dracula's design may offer slightly more nuanced feedback thanks to its airflow feature, while the Strawberry Latte’s smoothness is a hallmark of Huano’s manufacturing excellence.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Dracula excels with its advanced materials and design that enhance smoothness and durability, while the Strawberry Latte delivers a well-rounded sound and feel experience. Although they differ in certain aspects, users can find satisfaction in either option, especially considering that individual preferences for typing feel and sound may ultimately dictate the best choice for a particular setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your preferences and typing style should guide your decision. If you’re after a switch that delivers an ultra-smooth typing experience with enhanced durability due to its innovative POK material and refined design features, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly appealing if you prioritize a smooth and satisfying feel while typing, thanks to its thoughtful engineering. On the other hand, if you enjoy a balanced sound profile—one that’s not too quiet but still pleasant—a switch like the Strawberry Latte may be better suited to your needs. Its super smooth action and latest mold technology also ensure a great typing experience without excessive noise. In summary, consider the Akko Dracula for a more robust and smooth typing experience and the Huano Strawberry Latte if you prefer a balanced auditory and tactile performance.
Mentioned in this article
