Akko Dracula vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and the HMX Xinhai present two appealing options, each tailored to meet specific preferences. The Akko Dracula switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top case and stem, promoting ultra-smooth typing experiences alongside enhanced durability. Its unique design features an extra stem hole that not only contributes to improved airflow but also elevates the overall smoothness of keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize quiet and fluid typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch captivates with its sophisticated PA12 top housing, which provides a softer acoustic profile paired with a POM stem for a distinctly crisp and higher-pitched resonance. Catering to those who enjoy tactile and auditory feedback during their typing sessions, the Xinhai embodies a bouncy, clacky, and creamy experience. While both switches offer their unique benefits, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch aligns with your individual preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Dracula and HMX Xinhai differ significantly in their composition and physical characteristics, which influence the overall typing experience. The Dracula features a POK (polyketone) top housing that is designed for smoothness and enhanced durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material provides notable slickness compared to the HMX Xinhai's nylon top housing, which, while a classic choice, does not offer the same level of seamlessness due to its higher friction property. Polyketone excels in strength, boasting wear resistance 14 times greater than POM, making the Dracula's switches potentially more long-lasting under heavy use. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon top housing, while softer and facilitating a fuller sound profile, lacks the durability metrics of the Dracula’s POK top.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to similarities in sound characteristics. The nylon bottom on both the Akko Dracula and HMX Xinhai contributes to a deeper and fuller typing sound, absorbing noise more effectively than harder plastics. This commonality ensures that despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, both switches will deliver a well-rounded auditory feedback that typists often appreciate. The acoustic qualities of nylon help dampen the sound generated during key strikes, producing a clack that is more muted compared to switches made with harder materials. This uniformity in bottom housing helps to balance the overall sound profile of each switch, leveraging the strengths of nylon to enhance the typing experience.
In summary, the design philosophy behind the Akko Dracula and HMX Xinhai reflects the contrasting and complementary nature of their housing materials. While the top housing of the Dracula offers superior smoothness and durability through its POK composition, the Xinhai's nylon top provides a softer touch, contributing to a warmer sound profile. Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a comparable acoustic experience and tactile quality. Thus, despite the differences in materials, users can expect a cohesive typing experience that retains unique characteristics attributed to each switch's distinctive top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both exhibit relatively light characteristics, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. The Dracula switch has an actuation force of 35 grams, while the Xinhai switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 37 grams. Despite this minor difference, both switches share an identical bottom out force of 45 grams. As such, users can expect a similar tactile feedback experience when both switches are fully pressed down. Given the lighter actuation force of the Dracula switch, it may appeal more to those who favor ease of typing and a softer feel, whereas the Xinhai’s slightly heavier actuation force may provide a bit more resistance for users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation force feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Dracula offers a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference signifies that the Dracula switch provides a more pronounced key press, which may appeal to users who favor a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai can enhance responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking faster actuation times. Those who prefer a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Akko Dracula, while users looking for quicker interactions may opt for the HMX Xinhai to capitalize on its more efficient travel distance.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 it comes to sound, the Akko Dracula switch is designed to be ultra-smooth and notably quiet, benefitting from its POK material which absorbs some of the impact noise during keystrokes. This gives the Dracula a subtly muted acoustic profile that appeals to users looking for a more low-key typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch presents a significantly different auditory character; it produces a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy upon actuation. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound can add an engaging, tactile feedback to the typing experience, making it a thrilling choice for those who enjoy audible confirmation of their keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Dracula switch is engineered for a smooth typing experience, allowing for seamless keystrokes without any jarring feedback. While specific descriptors like "bouncy" or "creamy" are not attributed to the Dracula, its design aims for an enhanced fluidity in touch that many typists will find satisfying. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch showcases a bounciness that provides an elastic feedback sensation, akin to a spring. This lively feel, complemented by its creamy texture that allows for a smooth and buttery typing experience, offers a delightful tactile experience. It feels almost luxurious under the fingers, making each keystroke feel like a gentle glide.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dracula focuses on a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Xinhai delivers a lively and crisp auditory profile alongside a creamy, responsive feel. For users who desire an assembly of both types, mindful selection of keyboards and keycaps can help achieve a desired balance, allowing for a personalized typing experience that matches individual needs. Each switch configuration ultimately aims to enhance comfort, responsiveness, and aesthetic enjoyment in any typing or gaming scenario.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula and the HMX Xinhai linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and what you value most in your keyboard experience. If you prioritize a smooth and ultra-durable typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch is likely the better choice for you. Its innovative design, featuring POK material and an extra stem hole for airflow, ensures a pleasant typing feel that isn't just about performance but also longevity. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more dynamic typing feel with a higher-pitched acoustic profile, the HMX Xinhai switch may be your go-to. Its PA12 top housing enhances sound quality, producing a clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes. Moreover, the bouncy and creamy characteristics of the Xinhai offer an engaging typing sensation, ideal for those who love the responsiveness of their switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prefer durability and smoothness or a lively acoustic and tactile experience while typing.
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