Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Akko Fairy offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, providing a satisfying clicky feel with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. It also features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, making it a visually appealing option for gamers and enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy is known for its smooth and polished typing experience, thanks to factory-applied lubrication that ensures a quiet and comfortable workspace. With a medium weight and balanced resistance, the Fairy switches are ideal for extended use in office settings. Both switches have their own strengths, catering to different needs and preferences; 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Akko Fairy both feature nylon in their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While both switches share this housing material in the bottom, the Blue Lotus sets itself apart with its modified PC and UPE Blend in the top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that may offer a different typing experience compared to the Fairy's nylon top housing.
In terms of the top housing material, the Durock Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend provides a distinct and premium feel that may offer a different typing experience compared to the Akko Fairy's nylon top housing. The nylon top housing on the Fairy contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a unique typing experience that those who prefer a softer plastic feel may appreciate. Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective features.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Durock Blue Lotus and Akko Fairy switches play a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend in the top housing for a premium feel, the Fairy opts for a classic nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share nylon in their bottom housing, showcasing a commonality in creating a duller and rounder sound. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, users may find one switch more appealing over the other based on their housing material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus requires a slightly heavier touch. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Akko Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Fairy would be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus would appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, especially in gaming. The Blue Lotus provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the tactile or linear feel desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch offers a muted sound that minimizes noise, making it ideal for office settings where a quieter workspace is desired. The Fairy switch also has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers an accented tactile experience that strikes a balance between being tactile and smooth. It is described as snappy, making each keystroke feel responsive and alive. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switch has a stepped feel, providing two stages of feedback for a more nuanced typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience. It offers a mild tactile feel that is approachable to most users and a subtle resistance for a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a marked tactile feel. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch is ideal for office environments with its smooth typing experience, medium weight, and lubrication for extended use without causing fatigue. Both switches provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and settings. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Blue Lotus if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a tactile switch with a noticeable level of tactility, and a snappy typing experience with vibrant RGB illumination. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and want a visually captivating keyboard setup. On the other hand, opt for the Akko Fairy if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a smooth typing experience with factory-applied lubrication, and a comfortable switch for extended use in quieter office settings. The Fairy switch strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and minimizing noise, making it suitable for professional tasks. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, typing experience, and sound profile.
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