Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Akko Fairy stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The Dragon Fruit is a tactile switch known for its long pole stem, providing a definitive bottom-out and satisfying bump at each press, making it ideal for tactile enthusiasts who enjoy a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy is a linear switch with factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience, making it perfect for office settings where a quieter workspace is desired. While the Dragon Fruit is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Fairy is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', '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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Akko Fairy, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice lends to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Dragon Fruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Fairy's top housing also made of nylon, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile like the bottom housing.
The contrasting factor between the Dragon Fruit and the Akko Fairy lies in their top housing materials. While the Dragon Fruit employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound, the Fairy sticks to nylon for both its top and bottom housing. This decision results in a more consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with a focus on a deeper and fuller sound. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Dragon Fruit's top housing also allows for RGB lighting effects, which may appeal to users looking to customize the visual aspect of their keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Akko Fairy plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While both switches benefit from the depth and fullness nylon brings to their bottom housing, the Dragon Fruit's addition of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances clarity and sharpness in sound. On the other hand, the Fairy's consistent use of nylon throughout creates a more rounded and duller sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound can help users choose the switch that best fits their preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch's 50 grams, making the Dragon Fruit easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Dragon Fruit is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Fairy's 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for a variety of preferences. Depending on individual preference, some may prefer the Dragon Fruit for its lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the Fairy for its heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers looking for quick response times. The Dragon Fruit offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more tactile feel compared to the Fairy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired level of responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 Dragon Fruit switch offers a clacky sound signature that adds to the lively and engaging typing experience, while the Akko Fairy switch is described as producing a muted sound, making it a quieter option ideal for office environments. The sound profile of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so keep that in mind when choosing between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Dragon Fruit switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump at each press without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch is known for its polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, offering smooth key travel and a gentle resistance that is suitable for extended use in shared spaces. Both switches offer a comfortable feel, but the Dragon Fruit delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Fairy switch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit provides a lively and engaging typing experience with a clacky sound signature and pronounced tactile feedback, while the Fairy offers a quieter, smoother typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch based on your specific needs and environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch or the Akko Fairy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp, defined tactile bump and a clacky sound profile, the Dragon Fruit switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Fairy switch with its factory-applied lubrication and medium bottom out force of 60 grams might be more suitable, especially for office settings. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, so it's important to consider what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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