Akko Dracula vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Akko Dracula and the Jwick Taro. The Akko Dracula is a linear switch known for its ultra-smooth typing feel, attributed to its innovative POK material, which enhances durability and provides a seamless glide thanks to an extra stem hole that improves airflow. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a fluid and uninterrupted keypress, making it perfect for fast typists or gamers. In contrast, the Jwick Taro presents a tactile option with its snappy medium-level tactility and pleasing acoustic feedback, characterized by crisp clacks that engage the typist without overwhelming them. The Taro's cozy subdued color scheme mirrors its inviting typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback without sacrificing a smooth flow. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and the Jwick Taro exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall keyboard experiences. The Dracula utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, contributing to a smooth and durable performance. With a low coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material enables effortless keystrokes while enhancing the switch's clacky sound. In contrast, the Taro features polycarbonate as its top housing material, generating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This stiffness enhances resonance, leading to more pronounced auditory feedback. While both materials are effective in creating pleasant typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and tactile performance.
Despite the differences in their top housing, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is recognized for its soft, sound-absorbing properties, which promote a more rounded auditory experience. The use of nylon in both the Dracula and Taro results in consistent bottom-out sounds and feel for users, showcasing a sense of familiarity and reliability across these two models. This shared feature emphasizes how, irrespective of the different top housing materials, both switches can produce a cohesive sound experience when typing, highlighting the importance of bottom housing in the overall acoustic character.
When considering the impact of these housing materials on the typing experience, it's vital to recognize how the distinct qualities of the top and bottom housings interact. The POK top housing in the Dracula enhances the clack and smoothness during keystrokes, while the polycarbonate top of the Taro sharpens the auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent and full-bodied sound when bottoming out. Thus, while the overall sound profile and typing feel can vary significantly due to the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom serves as a common foundation that harmonizes the auditory experiences of both keyboards. This interplay between the two housing types ultimately defines the unique character of each switch, even when they share certain features.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Dracula features a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Taro, although lacking a defined actuation force, has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, while the Dracula is the lighter option—ideal for those who favor a softer keystroke—the Taro will appeal to users seeking a stronger push feel due to its heavier bottom out force. This differentiation illustrates how weight preferences can influence the choice of switches based on individual typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we find that the Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Taro measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This means that the Taro offers a more responsive keypress, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Dracula may provide a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the slight difference highlights a choice between rapid response and deeper feedback, catering to different user preferences.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 offers a smooth typing experience that is generally quieter compared to tactile switches, making it ideal for environments where noise levels matter. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch produces acute and crisp clacks, providing a more audible feedback that can be satisfying for users who enjoy the sound of their keystrokes. The Taro's neutral sound profile means it effectively suits both home and workplace settings, balancing the acoustic preferences of various typists without being too loud or too subtle.
When discussing the feel, the Akko Dracula is designed for an ultra-smooth experience thanks to its POK material construction and airflow design, promising a seamless keystroke. This may appeal to users who prioritize fluid motion over tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Taro offers a combination of buttery-smooth and stepped feel, allowing for a distinct tactile response. This means users will experience a mild but noticeable bump as they press down the key, making it well-suited for typists who prefer a touch of tactility without being overwhelming.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula switch focuses on delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Jwick Taro combines a satisfying tactile feel with clear auditory feedback. Users may choose between the two based on their personal preferences for sound and feel, with the Dracula providing a more subdued atmosphere and the Taro imparting an engaging keystroke experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing sensations, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find an option that aligns with their individual needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch should depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter keypress that promotes swift, uninterrupted typing, the Akko Dracula linear switch will likely be your best bet. Its ultra-smooth typing experience, aided by innovative materials and design, makes it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where every millisecond counts. Additionally, the quiet sound profile of the Dracula means you can work or play without causing distractions in shared or quieter environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback that adds a layer of engagement to your typing experience, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would serve you well. With its moderate actuation force and distinct snappy response, it caters to users who appreciate a satisfying click as they type. The Taro's buttery smoothness combined with a stepped tactile feel offers a cozy typing experience, ideal for prolonged sessions whether you’re typing documents or coding. Hence, in essence, select the Akko Dracula for speed and silence, and choose the Jwick Taro for tactile enjoyment and feedback.
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