Akko Dracula vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the qualities of each switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Akko Dracula and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both linear switches. The Akko Dracula switch is distinguished by its innovative POK material, which enhances durability and provides an ultra-smooth typing experience. Its design features an extra stem hole for improved airflow, promoting an enhanced feel during extended use. In contrast, the WS Red switch offers a bouncy, responsive typing experience facilitated by a 22mm double-stage spring, delivering a heavier actuation force that results in a satisfying and substantial keystroke. While the Dracula is ideal for users seeking smoothness and longevity, the WS Red caters to those who prefer a more tactile feedback with a touch of added resistance. 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
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
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches, it is clear that there's a fundamental difference in the top housing material used. The Dracula features a top housing made from POK, a material noted for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK is designed to provide a tactile experience that is smooth and clacky, significantly enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the WS Red uses a top housing made of nylon, which, while providing a different sound profile due to its softer nature, lacks the impressive durability characteristics of POK. The choice of POK for the Dracula contributes to a more refined switch experience; this could appeal more to users seeking a responsive and long-lasting typing experience.
Both switches, however, utilize the same bottom housing material: nylon. This shared characteristic means that both the Akko Dracula and the Wuque Studio WS Red will offer a similar sound profile when bottoming out due to the nylon's inherent properties. Nylon absorbs sound and echoes a deeper, fuller tone, producing a rounder sound compared to the crisper sound often associated with harder materials. Given that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the feel and sound at the bottom-out point, users can expect that element of consistency between the two models, even though the top housing leads to distinct differences in overall performance.
Overall, while the Akko Dracula and Wuque Studio WS Red switches both employ nylon as a bottom housing material leading to similar auditory qualities, the disparity in their top housing materials results in markedly different typing experiences. The POK top of the Dracula enhances both durability and smoothness, providing a clacky sound upon release, whereas the nylon top of the WS Red leans toward a deeper and softer sound profile. Thus, users will likely appreciate the distinct qualities of each switch—those who prefer a smoother, more durable option might gravitate toward the Dracula, while those who enjoy the deeper sound characteristic of nylon might prefer the WS Red.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Dracula switch boasts a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize a comfortable typing experience, particularly during extended sessions. In contrast, the WS Red switch features an unknown actuation force but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which lends itself to a more substantial feel during use. This means that while the Dracula switch is easier to press and may be preferable for those who prefer lighter weights and longer typing sessions, the WS Red offers a medium-heavy feel that could be ideal for users who appreciate a stronger push in their typing experience. Thus, the Akko Dracula switch can be considered the lighter option, while the WS Red is the heavier choice of the two.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.8 mm, resulting in a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, users can expect comparable performance in terms of key actuation and feedback. Whether using the Dracula or the WS Red, typists and gamers alike will achieve a uniform feel, which can be advantageous for those looking for switched that offer consistency in their keystrokes.
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 Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 generally characterized by a quiet operation thanks to its carefully designed POK material, which dampens noise while typing. This results in a more subdued auditory experience that may appeal to users seeking a less intrusive keyboard sound during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch maintains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. While still on the quieter side of linear switches, its sound may carry a bit more resonance compared to the Dracula, allowing for slightly more auditory feedback with each keypress. However, it's important to consider that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps, which can affect the acoustic properties of both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch shines with its ultra-smooth typing experience, thanks to the innovative POK material and the additional stem hole that enhances airflow and smoothness. This design makes for a very fluid keypress that many typists will appreciate, especially those who prioritize a buttery-smooth experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch offers a bouncier and more responsive feel due to its 22mm double-stage spring. This switch provides a heavier actuation force, giving each keystroke a satisfying heft that may feel particularly rewarding for users who prefer a bit more resistance during typing. While both switches aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience, their differing actuation characteristics cater to distinct typing preferences.
In summary, both the Akko Dracula and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Dracula is designed for those who value ultra-smooth execution and quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for professional settings or quiet environments. In contrast, the WS Red switch appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial keystroke, providing feedback that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide similar results in performance and smoothness, but the choice comes down to whether you prioritize a quieter, smoother action or a more responsive, weighty feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter keypress with a softer bottom-out feel, the Akko Dracula switch would be ideal for you; its 45-gram actuation force contributes to a smoother and more effortless typing experience, which is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, the innovation in its design, such as the POK material and extra stem hole, enhances both durability and smoothness, making it a great choice for users seeking a high-quality feel and soundscape. Conversely, if you enjoy a heavier touch that offers a bit more resistance, the WS Red with its 67-gram bottom-out force will be more suited to your style. This switch provides a bouncy and responsive experience, giving you a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists appreciate, especially when writing or programming. Furthermore, the WS Red’s classic material blend provides a familiar sound signature that many users find appealing. In summary, your decision should reflect how you engage with your keyboard—whether you value a light, smooth experience or a more substantial and tactile keyboard feel.
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