Bsun Cliff vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Akko Fairy present two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch with medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, is designed for those who appreciate a more invigorating typing experience. The tactile bump provides satisfying feedback upon actuation, making it a favorite for typists who enjoy a more pronounced interaction with their keys. In contrast, the Akko Fairy is a linear switch that excels in office settings, offering a muted, smooth keyboard experience thanks to its refined, factory-applied lubrication. The Fairy's medium weight strikes a perfect balance, delivering enough resistance for comfort during long typing sessions while ensuring a quieter workspace. Both switches cater to unique tastes—whether you prefer the engaging feedback of the Cliff or the seamless fluidity of the Fairy, each has its merits. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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 Cliff and the Akko Fairy switches feature significantly different materials for their top housings, contributing to contrasting sound profiles. The Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound. This particular material enhances the clarity of the auditory feedback when keys are pressed and released, providing an articulate typing experience. One of the notable advantages of polycarbonate is its translucency, making it an ideal choice for RGB lighting effects; the lights can illuminate the switch beautifully through the clear housing. In contrast, the Akko Fairy's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and yields a deeper, fuller audio characteristic. This creates a more muted experience compared to the Cliff, contributing to a cozy typing atmosphere.
Comparatively, both the Bsun Cliff and Akko Fairy share the same material for their bottom housings, both utilizing nylon. This choice of nylon contributes to a consistent sound signature across both models when it comes to the bottom-out feel and sound. The nylon's inherent properties of sound absorption result in a solid and well-rounded auditory experience, allowing a luxurious depth whenever the switch is engaged. Since both switches rely on nylon for this purpose, any typing performance that relies on the bottom housing will produce similar outcomes; the overall sound and tactile feedback will reflect the qualities of nylon, regardless of the differing top housing materials.
In essence, while the Bsun Cliff and Akko Fairy switches exhibit contrasting characteristics due to their top housing materials—creating different sound profiles—their bottom housings present a unifying element through the use of nylon. The nylon bottom housing contributes a rich fullness that remains consistent across both switch types, ensuring that when pressed, both will deliver a delightfully cushioned experience. The combination of the sharper clarity from the Cliff's polycarbonate top and the deeper sound from the Fairy's nylon top highlights the unique contributions each material brings to the overall typing experience, offering users a versatile range of auditory and tactile sensations, depending on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, perfect for long work sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Fairy has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. This means that the Fairy's switches require a firmer push, catering to users who prefer heavier switches for a more tactile experience. Overall, the Cliff is the lighter option, while the Fairy is the heavier choice, likely leading to different user preferences based on typing style and longevity of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, the Bsun Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Fairy has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Cliff switch provides a more pronounced feel during key presses, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth when typing. On the other hand, the Fairy's shorter travel distance could offer quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, those who favor a more tactile experience might lean towards the Bsun Cliff, whereas the Akko Fairy will likely attract users who appreciate rapid key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cliff switch is recognized for its crisp sound signature, contributing a refreshing auditory experience during typing. This can make it particularly engaging for those who appreciate an audible response from their switches. In contrast, the Fairy switch is designed with a focus on being muted and neutral. Its sound profile minimizes noise, making it a suitable choice for office environments and shared spaces where loud clicks and clacks could be disruptive. Therefore, while the Cliff offers a more pronounced sound experience, the Fairy promotes a quieter setting, appealing to those who prioritize discretion.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are notable. The Cliff tactile switch delivers an invigorating typing experience characterized by pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This results in an engaging and immersive sensation as each keypress resonates with the user. On the other hand, the Fairy switch provides a milder and more subtle feel, offering gentle resistance during typing. The smooth actuation, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication, ensures a pleasant experience without the intimidating characteristics of more reactive switches. This makes the Fairy ideal for users who may prefer a laid-back typing experience that still accommodates a good level of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Akko Fairy switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cliff is suited for those who enjoy a crisp auditory feedback and an invigorating typing experience, whereas the Fairy is ideal for users seeking a muted sound profile and a gentle typing experience, especially in shared environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding auditory and tactile feedback, as well as the specific context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a light typing experience with pronounced feedback and a more engaging auditory response, the Cliff may be the better option for you. Its invigorating tactile bump and light actuation force make it especially appealing for gamers or typists who thrive on crisp, responsive keys. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that excels in a professional environment or shared spaces where noise levels are a concern, the Akko Fairy should be at the top of your list. With its smooth, mild typing feel combined with a muted sound profile, the Fairy offers a comfortable and steady typing experience that reduces fatigue during long hours of work. Ultimately, the choice rests on whether you prioritize a tactile and crisp feeling or a smooth and gentle touch suited for quieter settings.
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