Akko Dracula vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the Akko Dracula and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both of which fall under the linear category. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in the top case and stem, which not only enhances durability but also contributes to an ultra-smooth typing feel. Its design includes an extra stem hole that improves airflow and further elevates the smoothness of keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize an effortless touch while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is tailored for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. With a unique PA12 top housing that produces softer acoustics and a POM stem delivering a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, this switch strikes a balance between subtle sophistication and precise performance. While the Dracula leans towards smooth and seamless input, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a richer auditory feedback paired with a heavier actuation force. Each switch has its own advantages depending on user preference. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 Akko Dracula and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share notable similarities in their bottom housing materials, as both utilize nylon. This common choice is significant because nylon's properties contribute to a deeper and more resonant sound profile. Its softer composition allows for sound absorption, resulting in a fuller auditory experience during typing. Consequently, users can expect a duller and rounder sound from both switches, enhancing the typing experience through auditory satisfaction. The use of nylon in both switches for their bottom housings ensures that the overall acoustics remain consistent, creating a sound signature that appeals to users seeking depth and warmth in their typing experience.
However, a key difference arises with the top housing materials. The Dracula employs POK material, which brings its unique attributes. With a lower coefficient of friction compared to nylon, POK results in a smoother operation, allowing users to feel a more refined key press. Furthermore, POK exhibits superior durability, boasting 14 times the wear resistance of POM and significantly enhanced shock resistance compared to Nylon, which may influence the switch's longevity and overall performance feel. This contrast in top housing materials means that while both switches share a similar auditory profile due to their nylon bottoms, the Akko Dracula offers a smoother and more resilient typing experience because of its POK top.
In conclusion, while the Akko Dracula and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to similar sound characteristics, they diverge in their top housing designs. The POK material of the Dracula enhances smoothness and durability, while the Xinhai's nylon top provides a slightly different tactile and auditory response. Ultimately, this combination of materials presents an interesting dynamic where both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience, but the nuanced differences in feel and longevity associated with their top housings may influence user preference depending on individual typing style and desired feedback.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of 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 suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Dracula switch is the lighter option while the Xinhai switch is the heavier one. This difference suggests that users seeking comfort during prolonged use might gravitate toward the Akko Dracula, while those desiring a firmer push feel would likely prefer the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Dracula linear switch measures 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Dracula offers a more pronounced and deeper keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai switch's shorter travel distance could be more desirable for gamers or users who prioritize quick response times and rapid key presses. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches would depend on your preference for depth versus responsiveness, with the Akko Dracula providing a slightly longer and more pronounced travel distance compared to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 provides a notably muted acoustic profile, thanks to its POK material which absorbs some of the noise generated during keypresses. This allows for a quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where you want to minimize distractions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. This design delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback, which some typists may find satisfying, particularly in environments where a little extra sound can enhance the typing experience. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches will yield unique auditory results but generally cater to different preferences for sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, primarily due to its innovative design that includes an extra stem hole for improved airflow and smoothness during actuation. This feature contributes to reducing friction and enhancing overall fluidity with each keystroke. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, however, provides a firmer and denser feel due to its heavier characteristics. This added heft can lead to a more deliberate typing experience, which some users may prefer for accuracy during fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. While both switches offer a pleasing tactile quality, the Dracula leans towards effortless smoothness, while the Xinhai emphasizes a more controlled, substantial feel.
In conclusion, the Akko Dracula and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Dracula excels in providing a quiet and ultra-smooth typing experience, ideal for those who value stealth and fluidity in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) captures the essence of a more pronounced typing sound with a firmer actuation feel, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback and precision. Your ultimate choice between these switches will likely hinge on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both promise engaging performance, albeit in different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a super smooth typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch is an excellent option. With its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and innovative design featuring POK material, it enhances both the feel and durability, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Its sound profile is also optimized for a pleasant auditory experience, giving you a satisfying feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you enjoy a firmer key press that offers more resistance and a deeper acoustic experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) with its 62.5 grams of bottom-out force is the better choice. Crafted with PA12 for softer acoustics and a POM stem for crisp resonance, it strikes a balance between sophistication and performance. Thus, whether you lean toward the feather-light touch of the Dracula or the more substantial feel of the Xinhai (Heavy), each switch brings its own unique advantages tailored to different typing styles.
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