Akko Dracula vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Dracula and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches stand out as compelling options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Akko Dracula switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and durability, thanks to its innovative use of POK material and an extra stem hole designed to enhance airflow and typing performance. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who prioritize a responsive and tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on providing a whisper-quiet typing experience, featuring a self-padding design and dual-rail structure that yields a soft, elastic feel while significantly reducing noise. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a stealthy typing environment, making it ideal for office settings or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, appealing to different priorities—be it smoothness and durability or silence and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, there are notable differences in their top housings that influence the overall performance and sound profile of the switches. The Akko Dracula utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is renowned for its smoothness and durability. With a lower coefficient of friction (0.04 compared to 0.03 for LY) and exceptional wear resistance, POK provides a tactile experience that is both slick and resilient. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, particularly when illuminated by RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches have high-quality and effective top housings, they offer distinctly different sound characteristics and tactile responses.
On the other hand, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is considered a classic choice for switch bottom housings, providing a duller and rounder sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound during typing. This gives both the Akko Dracula and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° a rich and fuller auditory footprint when keys are pressed down. As the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during use, users will notice that the deeper sound produced is consistent across both types of switches, enhancing the typing experience regardless of the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Akko Dracula and Gateron Zero Degree 0° creates a unique blend of characteristics that cater to various preferences. While the Akko Dracula's POK top housing delivers smoothness and durability, the Gateron Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing provides a brighter and clearer sound profile. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Therefore, users can expect a compelling and enjoyable typing experience with either option, albeit with distinct sound signatures attributable to their differing top housings.
Weight
The Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Dracula features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a softer touch and extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This heavier actuation makes it more aligned with users who enjoy a more substantial typing feedback. Consequently, while both switches may provide similar bottoming out sensations, the Dracula is the lighter option, facilitating longer use without fatigue, while the Zero Degree 0° caters to those who prefer a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The Akko Dracula linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Dracula switch offers a bit more key travel compared to the Zero Degree switch, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel with their keystrokes. The shorter distance of the Zero Degree might be attractive to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation while typing or gaming. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press and a sense of depth, the Akko Dracula's longer travel distance might be more satisfying. Overall, the Dracula offers a more traditional keystroke experience compared to the more rapid but potentially abrupt feel of the Gateron Zero Degree switch.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 produces a sound profile that aligns with a standard linear switch, which tends to be quieter than tactile or clicky switches but remains unspecified in its exact tonal qualities. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is characterized as having a low-pitched and muted sound. This switch generates a bass-heavy tone, making it more mellow and conducive to environments where noise reduction is a priority. Its self-padding design significantly lowers the auditory output, which is advantageous for users looking to minimize keypress sounds in shared spaces. Overall, while both switches are quieter relative to their tactile counterparts, the Zero Degree 0° provides a more refined auditory experience with its distinctive muted qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Dracula switch is praised for its ultra-smooth typing experience, attributed to the use of POK materials and an innovative design that includes an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This combination is designed to enhance the overall smoothness and durability of key presses. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is noted for its polished feel and subtle resistance. The refined finish leads to reduced friction during key travel, creating a smooth typing experience. Its gentle resistance ensures that the switch feels light without being overly feather-light, making it suitable for long typing sessions. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Dracula boasts enhanced durability features, while the Zero Degree offers a weighted yet soft touch.
Taking into account the sound and feel of both switches reveals distinct advantages for different user preferences. The Akko Dracula excels in durability and smoothness, appealing to users who prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch stands out with its sound-dampening properties and a more nuanced touch, making it an optimal choice for those in need of a quieter, refined typing experience. Ultimately, when considering either option, both the Akko Dracula and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches will provide a satisfying experience, though their unique characteristics will cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch, smooth typing experience, and prioritize durability, the Akko Dracula switch is a compelling option with its innovative POK material and enhanced airflow for a seamless feel. This switch also suits those who enjoy a more distinct sound profile, albeit one that may not be detailed here; it excels in providing a unique typing experience that balances comfort and functionality. On the other hand, if quietude and subtlety are your main concerns, especially if you work in a shared or noise-sensitive area, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is the superior choice. Its silent operation courtesy of the self-padding design will allow you to type without disturbing those around you, while the polished finish enhances its overall smoothness. In short, choose the Akko Dracula for a livelier typing experience with a focus on durability, or opt for the Gateron Zero Degree 0° for a whisper-quiet, stable performance that feels cushy yet responsive.
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