Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Fairy mechanical keyboard switches, we can see that both offer unique features suited for different preferences. The Black Lotus stands out for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and 55g actuation weight, making it a great choice for those who prefer a tactile yet not too heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are known for their factory-applied lubrication, medium weight, and comfort for extended use, making them a perfect option for office settings and professional tasks. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus utilizes a Modified PC and UPE Blend for the top housing, whereas the Akko Fairy features a nylon top housing. While both materials are known for providing a unique and premium feel to the switches, the nylon top housing of the Fairy offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus may offer a different tactile experience for users.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Fairy use nylon material. This choice in housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted and rounder sound, creating a different typing experience compared to switches with harder plastics for the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for both the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Fairy plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. While the Black Lotus utilizes a Modified PC and UPE Blend for the top housing, providing a unique premium feel, the Akko Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Both switches feature nylon bottom housing, resulting in a more muted and rounder sound when typing. Ultimately, the difference in top housing material may lead to a slightly varying tactile experience, but the bottom housing material ensures a consistent sound quality across both switches.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus and Akko Fairy linear switches both offer a smooth typing experience, but there are some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Fairy's 50 grams, making it require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Black Lotus has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Fairy's 60 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down. This makes the Black Lotus a slightly heavier option for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Fairy provides a lighter typing experience for those who type for longer periods or enjoy a smoother keypress. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side of the spectrum. In contrast, the Akko Fairy linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the Fairy switch provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it popular among gamers looking for speed and precision. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a unique experience due to its in-switch lighting feature, which can affect the sound produced. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch is described as having a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quieter work environments. Both switches are designed to reduce noise, with the Black Lotus potentially offering a different sound due to its lighting feature. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that minimizes sound, both switches can deliver similar results.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky and buttery typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses. Additionally, it is described as having a mild characteristic, striking a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. The Akko Fairy switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Its mild and subtle feel ensures a gentle typing experience suitable for extended use. Both switches provide a comfortable and refined feel, making them suitable for various typing preferences.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus switch emphasizes precision and reduced wobble, providing a satisfying typing experience with its 55g actuation weight and in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch is tailored for office settings with its factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and medium weight for comfortable daily use. While the Black Lotus may offer a unique sound due to its lighting feature, both switches offer a refined and comfortable feel suitable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but both switches can provide a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus and Akko Fairy linear switches, it's important to consider your specific preferences and typing needs. If you value a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced resistance with factory-lubed switches that provide a comfortable and quiet typing experience suitable for office settings, the Akko Fairy switches could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as sound preference, typing feel, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique advantages, so it's essential to choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and requirements.
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