Durock Dolphin vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Akko Fairy mechanical keyboard switches, we see two linear switches that offer different benefits to users. The Dolphin stands out for its silence, making it a great choice for office environments where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a substantial feel that balances precision and a satisfying press, appealing to those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy is also suitable for office settings, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience. The medium weight of the Fairy switch strikes a perfect balance, providing enough resistance for a satisfying press without causing fatigue. Both switches are categorized as 'Polished' and 'Muted', but the Dolphin is 'Low-pitched', while the Fairy has additional descriptors of 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Akko Fairy, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon and its ability to absorb more sound. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Dolphin features a polycarbonate material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Fairy utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dolphin.
The use of different materials for the top housing sets the Durock Dolphin and the Akko Fairy apart in terms of sound profile. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing lends itself to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, catering to those who enjoy a more mellow and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience thanks to the distinct qualities of their housing materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Akko Fairy play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound and the Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper sound, both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the mellow sound of nylon, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch both have medium bottom out forces, with the Dolphin being slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Fairy's 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Dolphin is not specified, while the Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Fairy requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dolphin. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Fairy may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Dolphin may be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making the Fairy the shorter of the two. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the shorter travel distance offered by the Akko Fairy switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Durock Dolphin switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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, both the Durock Dolphin and Akko Fairy switches are described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. However, the Dolphin is noted for its low-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a deeper, more bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Fairy switch is labeled as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for those seeking a quieter typing experience, with the Dolphin offering a slightly lower pitch compared to the Fairy.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Dolphin and Akko Fairy switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This indicates that both switches have reduced friction and smooth key travel, making them comfortable for extended use. The Dolphin switch doesn't provide further descriptors beyond being polished, while the Fairy switch is also characterized as mild and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and approachable typing feel for a wide range of users. Overall, users can expect a similar level of smoothness and comfort from both switches, with the Fairy possibly leaning towards a slightly gentler typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin and Akko Fairy linear switches offer excellent qualities for users seeking a silent and smooth typing experience. While the Dolphin may provide a slightly lower-pitched sound profile and the Fairy may offer a slightly gentler typing feel, both switches are well-suited for office environments and extended use. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches provide high-quality performance in professional settings.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you value a silent typing experience and require a bit more resistance for precision, the Durock Dolphin switch with its 62g bottom out force would be a suitable option, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a balanced actuation force and factory-lubricated components, the Akko Fairy switch with its 60g bottom out force would be a great choice for comfortable and extended use in professional settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific demands of your typing environment.
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