Bsun Pine vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Pine and Akko Fairy stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Bsun Pine switch is lauded for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch boasts a smooth typing experience with factory-applied lubrication and a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. The Pine switch is more 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', while the Fairy switch is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. Each switch offers unique advantages that cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize tactility or a quieter workspace. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Akko Fairy both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Pine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Fairy uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Fairy produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience on the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Pine and Fairy utilize nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This similarity in the bottom housing material suggests that both switches will offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to bottoming out keys. However, the different top housing materials of the two switches may result in variations in sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine likely producing a sharper sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Fairy.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and Akko Fairy play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of the switches. While the Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Fairy's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of bottoming out keys. The differences in top housing materials highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences for typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is evident that the Pine requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Fairy's 50 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Fairy has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Pine offers a lighter initial touch for triggering a keystroke but requires more force to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Fairy offers a slightly heavier initial touch but requires less force to bottom out, resulting in a smoother typing experience. Overall, the Pine is suitable for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Fairy is better for those looking for a medium typing experience. Both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. The Pine may offer a slightly deeper press compared to the Fairy, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 BSUN Pine switch is described as having a sharp and distinct click, while the Akko Fairy switch offers a muted and softer sound profile. The Pine switch will provide a more audible typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a clicky sound, whereas the Fairy switch will offer a quieter and more office-friendly typing experience. Both switches will offer a unique sound experience depending on your preference, with the Pine being more pronounced and the Fairy being more subtle in its sound output.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Pine switch is known for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a distinct and responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, with a smooth and gentle keypress. The Pine switch will appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump, while the Fairy switch will cater to users looking for a smoother and more approachable typing experience. Both switches offer a unique feel that will cater to different typing preferences, with the Pine switch providing a more tactile and sharp feel compared to the Fairy switch's smoother and more refined feel.
Overall, the BSUN Pine switch and the Akko Fairy switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of both sound and feel. The Pine switch excels in providing a sharp and distinctive tactile feedback with a pronounced click, ideal for those seeking a more direct and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Fairy switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, perfect for office settings or extended use without causing fatigue. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Pine or the Fairy switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and direct feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Pine switch is a great choice for a more tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a medium bottom out force that is conducive to quiet and extended use, the Fairy switch with its factory-lubrication may be more suitable, especially for office settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing feel and sound profile you prefer, as well as the level of tactile feedback and resistance that align with your typing habits and workspace requirements.
Mentioned in this article
