Akko Dracula vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and Bsun Taichi present two intriguing options, both distinguished by their linear design yet offering unique characteristics to cater to diverse preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is lauded for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, delivering an ultra-smooth typing experience that is further enhanced by enhanced durability and an extra stem hole for improved airflow. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch captivates with its enchanting, high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, which promise unparalleled smoothness and stability. While the Dracula may appeal to users seeking a quiet yet durable typing experience, the Taichi might be more suited for those who prefer a distinct auditory feedback paired with a smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and Bsun Taichi keyboards utilize different top housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Dracula features a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which provides a smooth operation with a relatively low coefficient of friction. This material’s strength and durability stand out, as it boasts wear resistance far superior to traditional plastics like POM or nylon, resulting in a smoother keypress experience. Its sound characteristics enhance a clacky typing feeling, which many users find appealing for both gaming and typing tasks. In contrast, the Taichi employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Known for its rigidity, polycarbonate presents a crisper and higher-pitched acoustic profile, creating a clear resonance that enhances the aesthetic experience, especially under RGB lighting. Consequently, although both housing materials are designed to provide distinct auditory feedback, their core performances diverge due to their inherent properties.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both keyboards opt for nylon, showcasing a unique harmony in their construction. As a classic choice for switch housings, nylon brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder alternatives, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory effect. In the context of the Akko Dracula and Bsun Taichi, the use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches share a similar character in bottoming-out sound and overall feel. Essentially, the deeper notes of the typing experience will be consistent across these two models, despite their different top housing materials influencing the sound when keys are released.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials with identical bottom housings in the Akko Dracula and Bsun Taichi presents an interesting blend of characteristics. The unique properties of POK and polycarbonate at the top contribute to distinct auditory experiences, while the nylon bottom ensures a consistent foundational sound profile. Users can expect the Akko Dracula's clackiness to stand out, while the Bsun Taichi's crispness shines through. However, both keyboards deliver a satisfying typing experience thanks to the similarities found in their bottom housing, ensuring that, regardless of the top housing material, players can achieve similar results in typing enjoyment and sound resonance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, distinct differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Dracula switch has a notably light actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is ideal for users who prefer an effortless typing experience or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taichi switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. The bottom out force for the Dracula switch is 45 grams, indicating that it offers a definitive tactile response when pressed down fully. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi’s bottom out force remains unknown, leaving a gap in our comparison. Overall, with its lighter actuation force and defined bottom out pressure, the Akko Dracula may cater better to users favoring a softer touch and extended use, while the Bsun Taichi, albeit slightly heavier in actuation, calls for buyers to consider their preferences regarding the unknown bottom-out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a noticeable difference is evident; the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Taichi measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Taichi the shorter of the two switches, while the Dracula provides a slightly longer travel distance. For gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, the Taichi's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. However, those who favor a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key might lean towards the Dracula, which offers a bit more depth. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Taichi is the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a more hearty tactile experience, the Dracula would be preferable.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switch is relatively quiet and muted, benefiting from its POK material that absorbs some of the impact upon bottoming out, leading to a more subdued acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch produces a more enchanting, high-pitched bottom-out sound, which can be attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This difference means that users who prefer a softer, less obtrusive acoustics might lean towards the Dracula, while those who enjoy a distinctly vibrant sound during typing may favor the Taichi.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch provides an ultra-smooth typing experience due in part to its innovative design with an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and contributes to a seamless keystroke. Similarly, the Taichi switch is engineered for unparalleled smoothness, thanks to its long-pole stem and walled stems that ensure stability during use. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, but the Dracula may offer an edge in consistency due to its nuanced airflow design, whereas the Taichi could be more appealing to those who appreciate a balanced blend of smoothness and stability.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Bsun Taichi linear switches present unique attributes that cater to different preferences. If sound is a factor in your decision, consider whether you prefer a subdued acoustic profile or a more pronounced, high-pitched sound. Similarly, while both switches promise smoothness, the nuances in their designs might influence which offers the ideal tactile experience for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices, and either can lead to satisfying results depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you prefer a lightweight switch that offers a smooth, tactile feel with a focus on enhanced durability due to its unique POK material, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it perfect for rapid typing tasks and extended usage without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that provides a high-pitched sound upon bottoming out and delivers a unique experience with its long-pole stem and extended springs, you might gravitate towards the Bsun Taichi switch. Although we are missing specific metrics like bottom-out force for the Taichi, its design promises a captivating auditory experience and a notably stable feel. In summary, choose the Akko Dracula for a lightweight, smooth, and durable typing experience, and opt for the Bsun Taichi when sound and an engaging feedback feel take precedence in your typing journey.
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