Akko Dracula vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and HMX Swift offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, promising ultra-smooth keystrokes and enhanced durability, making it an appealing choice for those who value longevity and a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, its unique extra stem hole is designed to improve airflow and smoothness during use. In contrast, the HMX Swift switches boast a deeper sound profile due to their full nylon housings, providing a rich auditory experience that differs from the typically brighter sound signature of other HMX switches. With a delicate 42g actuation force, the Swifts are designed for ease of pressing, ensuring a silky smooth and bouncy feel that can enhance gaming and typing efficiency. Each switch brings its advantages to the table, allowing users to align their choice with personal preferences, be it for a smooth and durable experience or a rich sound profile with effortless actuation. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and the HMX Swift switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, specifically polyketone (POK) and nylon, respectively. The POK material used in the Dracula's top housing offers a smoother experience with a slightly higher coefficient of friction (0.04) when compared to the LY found in other switches, which has a coefficient of 0.03. This gives the Dracula an edge in providing a smoother keystroke and a more pronounced clack due to its superior durability—being 14 times stronger in wear resistance than POM. In contrast, the HMX Swift’s nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, would create a more muted acoustic experience, emphasizing sound absorption over tactile sharpness. Consequently, the different materials lead to distinctive auditory and tactile sensations during use.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is evident that both the Dracula and the Swift utilize nylon, a material renowned for its ability to dampen sound and produce a deeper tone when typing. Given that the properties of nylon are consistent across both switches, users will experience a similar sound profile in terms of depth and fullness. The nylon composition contributes crucially to the tactile sensation, providing a softer bottoming-out feel when pressed. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both models deliver a satisfying acoustic and tactile experience that complements the overall switch characteristics, maintaining a level of uniformity in sound quality.
Overall, while the Akko Dracula and the HMX Swift switches differ in their top housing materials—POK for the Dracula and nylon for the Swift—they share commonality in their nylon bottom housings. This blend allows users to experience two distinct sound profiles and keystroke characteristics, where the Dracula’s POK top promotes a clackier, sharper sound contrasting with the Swift’s softer, muted response. Therefore, the interplay of these materials highlights how the top and bottom housings contribute synergistically to the performance and feel of each switch, resulting in unique yet complementary typing experiences. Users seeking smoothness and durability may gravitate toward the Dracula, while those desiring a softer, rounder sound might prefer the Swift, but both provide their own satisfying auditory feedback thanks to their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both exhibit relatively light force requirements, but they cater to different preferences for typing experience. The Dracula features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Swift has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as the heavier switch of the two. This difference suggests that users who favor a lighter touch for sustained typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Dracula, while those who appreciate a more substantial, tactile feedback in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the Swift. Despite both switches being categorized as light, the distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the typing experience will vary based on the user’s force preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Dracula has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Swift features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference, albeit minor, suggests that the Dracula switch may offer a more responsive experience, making it potentially preferable for gamers who seek quicker key presses and faster response times. Conversely, the HMX Swift, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel and the “hearty depth” that a greater travel distance provides. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key press 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula switch has not been characterized definitively in the provided information, but it is designed to offer a smooth typing experience, which may suggest a softer sound profile compared to more pronounced clicks. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as having a clacky sound, offering a sharper and snappier auditory experience when pressed. This clackiness may make the Swift switches more audible in a quiet environment, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. However, it's essential to note that the sound experienced can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material, which can greatly influence how each switch performs acoustically.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch’s characteristics are not explicitly detailed, leaving a gap in our understanding of its tactile feedback; however, its use of POK material indicates that it aims for a smoother experience. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch excels in feel with descriptors such as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These features suggest that the Swift switches provide minimal resistance, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions while also giving a lively and responsive feedback. The creamy sensation enhances this experience further, allowing for a silky feel that encourages effortless typing.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch remains a bit of an enigma in sound and feel based on the available information, the HMX Swift switch stands out for its deeper sound profile and superior tactile experience. If you're looking for a switch that combines a lively auditory response with an exceptionally smooth and light typing feel, the Swift would certainly be an excellent choice. However, those who prefer a potentially more understated sound may find the Dracula switch suits them just as well, particularly if they prioritize a smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience with enhanced durability, the Dracula switch is an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions where light resistance is appreciated due to its 45g bottom-out force. The unique POK material and design improvements of the Dracula also contribute to a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a deeper sound profile and a gentle, effortless feel, the HMX Swift switch may be more suitable for you. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams and a silky smooth actuation, it excels in providing responsive feedback while also reducing finger fatigue, making it ideal for both work and gaming. The Swift's bounciness and creamy feel cater especially well to those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Therefore, by considering your specific needs for feedback, sound, and comfort, you can make a well-informed choice and enjoy the tailored experience each switch offers.
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