Akko Dracula vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two compelling linear options that each bring unique qualities to the typing experience. The Akko Dracula switches are celebrated for their innovative POK material, which not only enhances durability but also facilitates ultra-smooth typing thanks to an extra stem hole that improves airflow. This results in a methodical and fluid keystroke that's perfect for users who prioritize speed and precision. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switches deliver a heavier, thocky sound profile that provides an enjoyable auditory feedback, along with a satisfying bouncy feel due to their lengthened single-stage spring. Their balanced standard spring weight makes them accessible to a wide range of typists, appealing to those who appreciate a more tangible feedback without compromising on smoothness. While both switches excel in different areas, they cater to various preferences, making them worthy contenders for any keyboard enthusiast. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
59g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Dracula utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, known for its smooth texture and substantial durability, providing a clackier and more robust sound due to its slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to LY. By contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate as its top housing material, which contributes a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While the Dracula's POK creates a smoother typing experience, featuring a resonance that caters well to those who prefer a clacky feel, the Tourmaline Blue’s polycarbonate delivers clarity and brilliance, making it ideal for scenarios where RGB lighting is prominent.
When examining the bottom housing, the differences become even more pronounced. The Dracula's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing characteristics. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing retains the same clarity as its top counterpart, delivering a sharper sound. This contrast between nylon's warmth and polycarbonate's crispness means that while both switches may offer an engaging typing experience, they cater to different auditory preferences. The nylon in the Dracula adds a layer of richness that many enthusiasts find appealing, while the Tourmaline Blue emphasizes high notes and precision.
Ultimately, even with different materials, both switches can achieve satisfying typing results by balancing their respective sounds and feels. The split qualities between the tops and bottoms mean that pressing either switch results in unique aural feedback and tactile sensation. For example, while the Dracula leverages its nylon bottom for a potent sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue combines the sharpness from its polycarbonate materials for both top and bottom housings. This combination allows users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that the distinctions between materials can yield delightful variants in the overall switch experience.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferred choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue exhibits a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing experience with stronger feedback. This significant difference in force specifications indicates that the Dracula is lighter, while the Tourmaline Blue is heavier, appealing to different user preferences. Overall, this divergence suggests that the choice between these switches hinges on individual typing style and comfort requirements, with the Dracula offering a gentler keystroke and the Tourmaline Blue providing a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Akko Dracula has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This slight variation means that the Dracula switch offers a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper actuation that some users may find more satisfying, offering a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Akko Dracula would be the better choice, but if you prefer a more robust feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is the way to go.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 distinct auditory signature that promotes a smoother typing experience, but specific details on its sound characteristics are not provided. Contrasting with this, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, creating an immersive and satisfying acoustical experience. This neutral sound design makes the Tourmaline Blue versatile, making it suitable for both casual typing at home and professional use in quieter environments. Ultimately, while the Dracula’s sound remains ambiguous, the Tourmaline Blue ensures a rich auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is engineered with innovative POK material and features that enhance typing smoothness and durability, though precise details on its tactile feedback are not available. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue excels with its buttery feel. This switch's smooth and fluid keystrokes provide an effortless typing sensation, complemented by an easy-to-press action that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. Moreover, the mild nature of the Tourmaline Blue makes it an accessible choice for a wide range of users. Thus, while the Dracula’s feel can be anticipated to be smooth, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a remarkably pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko Dracula switch is designed for ultra-smooth typing, potentially offering an enjoyable experience, though specifics on its sound and feel are not detailed. Meanwhile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides a deep sound profile along with a buttery, mild, and easy-to-press tactile sensation, making it particularly user-friendly. Both switches cater to different preferences, but if you seek an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its well-defined characteristics. Choosing either switch may yield satisfying results, though the definitive benefits of the Tourmaline Blue are more pronounced based on the available information.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lightweight typing experience with a smooth, effortless keystroke, the Akko Dracula switch is likely your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom-out force and innovative design with POK material provide a velvety feel that's perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams that delivers a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue may be the switch for you. Its buttery feel and bouncy response lend themselves well to users who appreciate a slightly more engaging typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and more intensive gains. Whether you lean toward the light and smooth nature of the Dracula or the satisfying heft of the Tourmaline Blue, your choice will ultimately enhance your mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your lifestyle and workflow preferences.
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