Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Weightlessness switches. The Akko Dracula, a linear switch, stands out for its ultra-smooth typing experience, enhanced durability, and innovative design featuring POK material and an extra stem hole that improves airflow and smoothness. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize a seamless keystroke and quieter operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness is a tactile switch that offers a subtle to moderate tactile bump, providing users with a satisfying feedback while typing. Its balanced sound profile further enhances the tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more of a mechanical feel without excessive noise. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different typing experiences; 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and Gateron Weightlessness switches employ distinct top housing materials, which significantly influences their tactile and auditory characteristics. The Dracula features a top housing made from POK (polyketone) material, known for its smooth typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. In contrast, the Weightlessness uses a classic nylon top housing. While nylon also offers a good typing experience, it primarily enhances the sound profile by providing a deeper and fuller auditory feedback. This variance in top housing material means that while both options can potentially yield a smooth actuation, the Dracula will likely favor a more crisp and snappy response, whereas the Weightlessness embraces a warmer, more resonant sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share a common material, nylon, which helps them achieve similar acoustic qualities. Since nylon is inherently softer than other plastics, it provides muted sound profiles that contribute significantly to the typing experience. Both the Dracula and Weightlessness utilize nylon in their bottom housings, allowing for a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out, making them comparable in this regard. This shared quality can result in a consistent auditory feedback across different strokes, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying and cushioned keystroke regardless of which switch they choose.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula and Gateron Weightlessness switches share similarities in their bottom housing by both using nylon, their top housings diverge with the Dracula employing POK and the Weightlessness utilizing nylon. This difference shapes each switch's overall performance, with the Dracula likely offering a smoother typing experience complemented by a sharper sound, while the Weightlessness lends itself to a fuller, warmer auditory expression. Thus, if users prioritize overall sound engagement, they might appreciate the Weightlessness, whereas those seeking a more precise typing feel may prefer the Dracula, showcasing how housing materials uniquely contribute to the tactile and auditory switch experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, significant differences can be observed in their actuation forces, with the Dracula at 35 grams being notably lighter than the Weightlessness, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Dracula may appeal to users who prioritize comfort during prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation of the Weightlessness could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feedback when pressing keys. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness remains unknown, making it difficult to compare that aspect directly with the Dracula's bottom out force of 45 grams. Consequently, while both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Akko Dracula clearly defines itself as the lighter option, ideal for users seeking ease and comfort over long durations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we can observe a notable difference. The Dracula switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the more responsive option, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation for fast-paced gameplay. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Dracula switch may appeal more to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the preferred choice, while the Akko Dracula would cater to those who enjoy a more traditional and hearty 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 considering the sound profile of the Akko Dracula linear switch, it is known for its smooth operation, which typically results in a quieter keystroke compared to tactile or clicky options. While detailed sound characteristics aren't specified, the linear nature implies a more muted sound with less feedback noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch presents a sound that is subtle, fitting for those who prefer a sound profile that is not overly loud. Its balanced sound aligns well with the tactile feedback it provides, making it pleasant for both typing and gaming without being overly intrusive.
Looking at the feel of the switches, the Akko Dracula excels in providing an ultra-smooth typing experience due to its POK material and innovative design that offers added durability and airflow. This smoothness may lead to less finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, facilitating a fluid experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switches have a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which means you can expect a faint bump to indicate actuation without being too pronounced. This unique tactile quality can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a bit of feedback without the jarring sensation often associated with more tactile switches.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula linear and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Dracula's focus on a smooth, quiet experience contrasts with the Weightlessness's tactile feedback and balanced sound profile, making them suitable for different types of users. While the sound and feel characteristics differ, both switches aim to provide enjoyable typing experiences, allowing typists and gamers alike to choose based on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and what you're seeking in a keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and prioritize smoothness in your keystrokes, the Akko Dracula is an excellent option. Its innovative design with POK material and an extra stem hole provides a seamless typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks where you want minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile during your typing sessions, the Gateron Weightlessness would likely suit you better. With its subtle to moderate tactile feel, it creates a satisfying typing experience without being too noisy, making it a perfect choice for an office environment or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the ultra-smooth linear feel of the Dracula or the tactile punctuation offered by the Weightlessness, ensuring that your keyboard aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.
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