Akko Dracula vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Dracula and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its ultra-smooth typing experience, thanks to its innovative POK material and an extra stem hole that enhances airflow and overall smoothness. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and durable linear switch that minimizes friction and fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch presents a uniquely chewy and tactile feel, enveloping the fingertips with each press. Its bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by a resonant bottom-out thud, appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback and a more immersive typing experience. While both switches fall into the linear category, they each offer a unique combination of feel and sound that can significantly influence your typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the PH Studio Yoel switches, distinct characteristics emerge that contribute to the overall performance and auditory experience of each switch. The Akko Dracula features a top housing made of POK material, known for its smoothness, durability, and exceptional wear resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a silky-smooth feel while typing and is significantly stronger than POM—14 times stronger in wear resistance—effectively ensuring longevity. In contrast, the Yoel’s top housing employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials contribute positively to the typing experience, they cater to different auditory preferences; POK offers a smooth and clacky sound signature, while polycarbonate delivers a clearer and more resonant tone.
The bottom housing of the switches further illustrates their differences in sound profile and performance. The Akko Dracula utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is praised for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in deeper, rounder audio during typing. In contrast, the Yoel is equipped with a POM bottom housing, which also produces a more muted, deep sound but emphasizes a unique quality that distinguishes it from nylon. The varying properties of these materials ensure that, although each switch offers different auditory experiences, they both enable pleasing sound profiles that will satisfy users looking for distinct typing aesthetics.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the switches' overall characteristics. While the Dracula and Yoel switches utilize different materials in both their top and bottom houses, the sum of these components creates contrasting yet equally appealing typing experiences. A user may seek a smooth and vibrant feel from the Dracula's POK and nylon combination, or opt for the sharper sound and visual appeal from the Yoel’s polycarbonate and POM pairing. While both switches exhibit unique features individually, they can also achieve similar results in terms of performance, letting users enjoy optimal resilience and sound differentiation based on their preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch reveals distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while its bottom out force is 45 grams, which is also on the lighter side. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch. This means that for users who prefer a softer typing experience for extended sessions, the Akko Dracula is the more suitable option, whereas those seeking a firmer feedback with a more substantial typing experience will likely favor the Yoel. Overall, the Akko Dracula is the lighter switch, while the Yoel is the heavier one, offering a significant contrast in typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Dracula linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference of 0.6 mm means that the Dracula switch offers a more substantial depth, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Yoel switch, with its shorter travel distance, could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as the keys register more rapidly with less travel. Thus, if you value responsiveness, the Yoel would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a heartier depth may gravitate towards the Dracula. Ultimately, the Akko Dracula is the longer travel distance switch, while the PH Studio Yoel is the shorter option.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch is characterized by its smooth and refined auditory experience, though specifics about its tonal qualities remain undefined. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a bright and clacky sound that is sharp, percussive, and resonant upon bottoming out. Users can expect a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback with the Yoel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more prominent sound presence during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch promises ultra-smooth typing, enhanced by its innovative materials like POK. While there are no explicit descriptors provided for its tactile qualities, the Yoel switch stands out with a delectably chewy typing experience. Its creamy, polished, and silky characteristics contribute to an exceptionally smooth interaction, where keystrokes feel easy and effortless. This combination of sensations is likely to please users who prioritize a luxurious typing experience.
In summary, while the Akko Dracula switch excels in providing a smooth and durable typing experience, the PH Studio Yoel switch offers a delightful sound and tactile feedback that many users find engaging and satisfying. If you prefer a quieter and smoother operation, the Dracula may be your go-to switch. However, if a high-pitched, clacky sound with a creamy feel is what you desire, the Yoel will deliver that enjoyable typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, allowing users to choose based on the attributes they value most in their mechanical keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a bottom-out force of 45 grams and seek a smoother, ultra-responsive typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch would be your best bet. Its innovative design with POK materials not only ensures durability but also enhances the tactile feedback for a more seamless experience, making it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers who need rapid and fluid key presses. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more pronounced and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch—with its 60 grams of tactile resistance—will envelop your fingertips in a delectably chewy typing experience. The resonance that occurs when the keys bottom out adds a satisfying auditory element, ideal for those who enjoy a richer sound with each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches excel in their unique features; it’s essential to consider what matters most to you—whether it's a light, smooth feel or a slightly heavier switch with a vibrant acoustic footprint.
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