Akko Dracula vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and the Outemu Yellow Silver stand out among linear options, each catering to distinct preferences and needs. The Akko Dracula is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in its top case and stem, resulting in ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability. Its unique design features an extra stem hole, which not only promotes improved airflow but also contributes to a more streamlined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is a testament to Outemu's reputation for quality, boasting a light actuation force that allows for quick response times—ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speed. Furthermore, its neutral sound profile ensures that it won't distract in quieter environments. Both switches have their strengths, making them appealing options for different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and Outemu Yellow Silver switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts the overall sound profile and performance of these switches. The Dracula features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which has excellent durability and low friction properties. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this material contributes to smoother keystrokes, resulting in a smooth, clacky sound profile that stands out in terms of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Yellow Silver employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is noted for its stiffness and translucency. The rigidity of polycarbonate grants the Yellow Silver a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing resonance, particularly appealing for those utilizing RGB lighting to amplify their keyboard setup aesthetically.
Both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, a classic choice attributed to its sound absorption qualities. This uniformity in bottom housing means that both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Yellow Silver will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key is bottomed out. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more rounded auditory experience, regardless of the differences present in their top housing materials. Operators can expect a similar auditory signature during the actuation phase, as the nylon housing prevents excess sharpness and brings a more cushioned feel to each keystroke.
While the top housings present varied characteristics, the bottom housings align in a way that creates a blending of attributes from both materials during operation. For users, this means that although the Akko Dracula emphasizes a smooth, clacky feedback from its POK material, and the Yellow Silver delivers a clear, resonant sound due to polycarbonate, the overall bottom-out experience will remain consistent. Therefore, the contrasting top housings balance each other, ultimately providing a complementary auditory result that may feel familiar to those who appreciate the rich sound derived from nylon while still retaining distinct qualities reflective of each switch's design.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch differ significantly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, influencing the typing experience each provides. The Akko Dracula has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Consequently, the Dracula switch is the lighter option, while the Yellow Silver is heavier overall. This disparity in force specifications means that users will experience distinct tactile feedback depending on their switch choice, aligning with personal preferences for comfort and typing endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the Akko Dracula measures 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver is slightly longer at 4 mm. This makes the Dracula the shorter option, ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness, as a shorter travel distance often results in faster keypress registration—a feature favored by many gamers. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's 4 mm travel distance aligns more closely with traditional switch designs, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences: those who relish responsiveness might gravitate towards the Dracula, while those who enjoy a heartier depth may find the Yellow Silver more to their liking.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Akko Dracula switch offers a unique acoustic profile that, while not explicitly detailed in the available descriptions, suggests a design aimed at delivering a pleasant sound experience, especially given its emphasis on smooth typing due to the POK material used. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is characterized by its neutral sound profile, making it versatile for both gaming and typing scenarios. This neutrality implies that the Yellow Silver doesn't distract with excessive noise, appealing to users who seek a balance between auditory feedback and a quieter environment. Ultimately, while the Dracula’s sound characteristics are less defined, it may provide a complementary auditory experience to the Yellow Silver, especially if both switches are used in similar setups with comparable boards and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is notable for its ultra-smooth typing experience facilitated by its innovative design featuring an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This design aims to create a tactile experience that many users will find enjoyable for both long typing sessions and fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the Yellow Silver switch is engineered for speed and responsiveness, characterized by its light actuation force that allows for rapid key presses with minimal effort. This difference in feel illustrates that while both switches aim to enhance user experience, the Dracula prioritizes smoothness and comfort, whereas the Yellow Silver emphasizes speed, making them appealing to different user preferences.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches provide distinct advantages in their sound and feel characteristics, catering to different user needs. The Dracula may offer a smooth and possibly refined audio experience, while the Yellow Silver is favored for its neutral sound profile suited to varied environments. The feel of the Dracula switch leans towards comfort and smoothness, contrasting with the speed-centric design of the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference; however, either option promises a satisfying typing experience, with key factors such as board and keycap choice also playing a significant role in how these switches perform.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use cases will play a significant role. If you appreciate a lighter typing experience and desire smoothness coupled with enhanced durability for both gaming and typing, the Akko Dracula switch is likely your best bet. Its innovative design, including the POK material and extra stem hole, ensures that each keystroke feels satisfying and seamless. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that balances actuation force with a neutral sound profile, particularly if you are a gamer or require speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver may serve you better. Its medium-light feel and adaptable sound make it versatile for various environments, whether at home or work. In essence, if you want a refined experience with softer touches, go for the Akko Dracula; but if you prioritize quick response times and a more universally appealing sound, the Yellow Silver should be your choice.
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