Akko Dracula vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between different options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch, known for its linear feel, excels in providing ultra-smooth typing thanks to its POK material for the top case and stem, while its innovative design features an extra stem hole that facilitates improved airflow and typing fluidity. This makes the Dracula an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and smoothness in their keystrokes, particularly gamers and fast typists. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches present a tactile experience characterized by medium tactility and a light touch, coupled with a neutral sound signature. This positioning makes the Violet Gold Pro a versatile “Goldilocks” option, appealing to those who want a balanced typing experience that offers feedback without being overly pronounced. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, making the choice between them largely dependent on individual needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we see a notable contrast in their top housing constructions, which directly influences their sound profiles and performance. The Dracula employs polyketone (POK) for its upper housing, known for its remarkably low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability. This material is significantly more resilient than traditional options like POM and Nylon, which enhances both the smoothness of the keystroke and the durability of the switch. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features polycarbonate as its top housing material. This stiffer plastic results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users seeking clarity and resonance in their typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its appeal for RGB lighting integration, producing visually striking effects that are not a primary focus of the Dracula.
Looking deeper into the bottom housing, both the Akko Dracula and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon, which serves as a commonality in their designs. Nylon is revered in the keyboard community for its soft, sound-absorbing qualities, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This shared material promotes a similar auditory experience at the base of both switches, helping to create that characteristic warmth and roundness in sound. Thus, while the two switches differ notably in their top housing materials—POK versus polycarbonate—their bottom housings ensure that users benefit from a familiar tactile and auditory sensation.
The distinct qualities offered by each housing material ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch. With the Dracula's POK top housing providing a smooth, clacky feel and heightened durability, it contrasts with the Violet Gold Pro’s crisp, clear sound profile derived from its polycarbonate top. However, the common use of nylon in both switches fosters a consistent bottom-out feel, creating a harmonious balance between durability and auditory feedback. Consequently, while there are important differences in the top housing's effects on sound, the combined strengths of both designs ensure that users can enjoy a gratifying typing experience, characterized by distinct auditory signatures shaped by the different upper materials but unified by the soft, sound-absorbing qualities of the nylon bottom.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dracula switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, which facilitates longer typing sessions and enhances comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feedback that some users may find beneficial for a tactile experience. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is not specified, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, while the Dracula switch is the lighter option overall, the lack of bottom out force data for the Violet Gold Pro prevents a complete direct comparison. Users seeking sensitivity and ease of use may gravitate towards the Akko Dracula, whereas those who enjoy a firmer typing feel may prefer the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, despite the unknown bottoming out aspect.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users will experience the same depth of keypress when engaging either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel during typing or gaming, allowing users to experience a consistent keypress response regardless of which switch they choose. With both offering the same travel distance, those seeking a balanced performance can expect similar results in their typing 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 produces a sound profile that is generally smooth and subdued, owing to its innovative POK material construction which helps dampen noise during key presses. The design contributes to an overall quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where sound might be a concern. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound profile. This neutrality allows it to excel in various settings, whether home or office, catering well to both beginners and advanced users who seek a balanced auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dracula switch is renowned for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced by the addition of an extra stem hole that improves airflow and fluidity during keystrokes. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize a seamless feel without tactile interruption. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro presents a medium tactility that is categorized as a "stepped" switch. This means it features a more nuanced tactile response, where users can perceive distinct stages in the keystroke, providing a gentle feedback rather than a pronounced bump. The stepped feel can be advantageous for typists looking for a balanced tactile sensation without overwhelming feedback.
In summary, both the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences. The Dracula emphasizes an ultra-smooth, quiet experience ideal for a discreet environment, while the Violet Gold Pro strikes a balance with its neutral sound and mild tactile feedback. If you're looking to enjoy similarities in operation, utilizing either switch can yield a satisfying experience, but each caters to different tactile and auditory preferences that can significantly impact overall user satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a smooth and seamless typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation of 45 grams and innovative POK material design ensure a quick and fluid keystroke, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a solid option. With its medium tactility and neutral sound profile, it strikes a balance that is perfect for both casual typing and professional work environments. The stepped feel allows you to experience a pleasant tactile response during your key presses without becoming overly intrusive. In summary, your choice should hinge on whether you prefer the smoothness and lightness of the Akko Dracula or the balanced tactile feedback of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, keeping in mind how you intend to use your mechanical keyboard.
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