Akko Dracula vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can greatly influence your typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch shines with its innovative use of POK material for both the top case and stem, providing an ultra-smooth typing feel and impressive durability. Its unique design features an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and further contributes to smooth operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is designed with a perfect blend of materials that offer a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack sound. Known for its premium factory lubrication, the Sunset Gleam appeals to users who enjoy both auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness. Both switches cater to linear preferences but with distinct characteristics that suit different styles of typing. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the HMX Sunset Gleam, notable differences arise in their top housings, while their bottom housings exhibit similarities. The Dracula utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which is known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, coupled with a sound profile that leans towards a clacky resonance. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces sharper and crisper sound characteristics. This distinction in top housing materials indicates that while both switches aim to deliver high-quality typing experiences, the Dracula's sound profile may have more depth and richness due to the POK material, while the Sunset Gleam focuses on clarity and brightness.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Akko Dracula and HMX Sunset Gleam feature nylon, a classic choice renowned for its sound-absorbing qualities. This shared material choice ensures that both switches will have a deeper, fuller sound profile, providing users with a more rounded auditory experience when typing. The soft nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a more muted and plush typing feel. As a result, both switches can achieve similarly satisfying bottom-out sounds, creating a cohesive experience that is appreciated by those who favor such acoustic qualities.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials and the same bottom housing material leads to a unique yet complementary experience when using the Akko Dracula and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The POK and polycarbonate materials naturally influence the auditory and tactile responses of each switch, with POK emphasizing a smoother, clackier sound, and polycarbonate underscoring crispness and clarity. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which harmonizes their sound profiles by maintaining a deep and full acoustics when bottoming out. Thus, while the overall experience may differ based on the top housing, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing binds the two switches with a shared characteristic that appeals to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which provides a more substantial feel during each keystroke. This weight difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch will gravitate towards the Akko Dracula, while those who enjoy a firmer typing experience will favor the HMX Sunset Gleam. Overall, both switches are classified as light in terms of their forces, but the Sunset Gleam requires a bit more effort to actuate and bottom out compared to the Dracula.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience a more substantial depth with the Dracula switch, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users who favor faster response times and a more abrupt actuation, which can enhance performance during rapid input sessions. Overall, if responsiveness is a priority, the Sunset Gleam's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is advantageous, whereas the Dracula's 3.8 mm offers a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 is characterized by its ultra-smooth operation brought about by the POK material used in its construction, alongside the added stem hole that allows for improved airflow. This results in a sound profile that is relatively quiet, making it suitable for environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch produces a more pronounced sound, thanks to its perfect blend of materials that allows for a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack. The sound quality may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback in their typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dracula switch is designed for a notably smooth typing experience, which can be attributed to its innovative design elements that prioritize durability and efficiency. Users can expect a consistently pleasant keystroke without any noticeable texture interruptions. The Sunset Gleam delivers a different tactile sensation with its factory lubrication, providing a satisfying glide that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch brings a unique quality that combines the ease of linear movement with an engaging tactile response.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Dracula and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches provide unique qualities, they cater to different preferences. The Dracula leans towards a quieter, ultra-smooth typing experience with an emphasis on durability, while the Sunset Gleam offers a subtly pronounced auditory feedback and an engaging tactile feel. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel more in your typing experience, but both switches will yield satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and ultra-durable typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch, with its innovative POK material and special airflow design, would be an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams makes it particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who prefer a responsive and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, if you're seeking a satisfying feel combined with a subtle auditory feedback, the HMX Sunset Gleam is likely to serve you better. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, it could provide a bit more resistance, catering to those who enjoy a bit of heft in their keystrokes while also offering a pleasing sound profile thanks to HMX's renowned factory lube. Ultimately, evaluate what aspects hold more weight for you—whether it be smoothness and lightness with the Dracula or the unique feel and sound of the Sunset Gleam—and make your choice accordingly.
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