Outemu Crystal vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the Akko Fairy offer distinct advantages. The Outemu Crystal stands out for its unique linear typing experience, with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight that provides a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy is tailored for office environments, boasting factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. While the Crystal offers a neutral sound profile, the Fairy is designed for 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the Akko Fairy both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Crystal utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder in comparison to polycarbonate.
While both switches have different housing materials for the top and bottom components, the qualities of each material are evenly split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when the key is released. This distribution of qualities gives each switch a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in the housing.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in switches like the Outemu Crystal and the Akko Fairy comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. Polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant typing experience or a duller and rounder one, both switches offer a unique feel and sound based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams while the Fairy requires 60 grams. This makes the Crystal the lighter option in both categories. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Crystal may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Fairy provides a slightly heavier feel which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a medium level of actuation force, providing a good balance between responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal offering a more standard depth and the Fairy providing a shallower feel. Gamers may lean towards the Fairy switch for its quicker response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Crystal switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched profile, offering a unique and sharp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as producing a muted and neutral sound, making it ideal for office environments where a quiet workspace is essential. Depending on personal preference and surrounding factors such as keycaps and board choice, users can achieve different acoustic experiences with these switches.
In terms of feel, both the Outemu Crystal and Akko Fairy linear switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The Crystal switch is noted for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a unique linear typing experience. Meanwhile, the Fairy switch strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making it suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. Additionally, the Fairy switch is also described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, although the Outemu Crystal and Akko Fairy linear switches differ in sound and subtle feel characteristics, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique qualities. Whether users prefer a chirpy sound profile or a muted sound for a quieter environment, these switches offer a variety of options to cater to different preferences. Additionally, the polished feel of both switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, making them suitable for various typing tasks. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both the Outemu Crystal and Akko Fairy linear switches, depending on their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a unique, elastic feel with a medium-light weight and a chirpy, high-pitched sound profile, the Crystal switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a smooth typing experience with factory-lubricated switches that offer a balanced medium weight, muted, and neutral sound profile, then the Fairy switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing feel and sound or seek a comfortable and quiet typing experience for extended periods.
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