Dareu Dream vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Akko Fairy, we can see distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is known for its light linear feel and affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are renowned for their factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth typing experience ideal for office settings. While the Dream offers a clacky and easy-to-press experience, the Fairy provides a polished and muted feel, perfect for extended daily use. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Akko Fairy, we find that the Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Fairy comes with a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. While polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Dareu Dream and the Akko Fairy utilize nylon as their material of choice. This material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a consistent typing experience regardless of the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of these switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of pressing down on the keys, contributing to a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper sound profile.
In terms of overall design and functionality, the Dareu Dream and the Akko Fairy showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in shaping the typing experience, with the bottom housings adding to the overall sound and feel of pressing down on the keys. Whether you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both the Dareu Dream and the Akko Fairy provide unique sound profiles that cater to a variety of preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, we see that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Fairy's heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, while the Fairy has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Fairy requires more force to fully press the key compared to the Dream. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dream may be the preferred choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Fairy due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preferences, with the Dream being lighter and the Fairy being heavier in force requirements for typing.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dream switch offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Fairy switch provides a slightly shallower travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Akko Fairy switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Dareu Dream switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for office settings. The neutral sound profile of the Fairy switch makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or work, catering to a wider range of user preferences. Overall, if you prefer a more pronounced and lively typing sound, the Dream switch would be a suitable choice, while the Fairy switch provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses, resulting in a light and effortless typing experience. This low-impact typing feel enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, featuring a smooth and refined finish that provides a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall into the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users and ensures comfortable typing sessions. The subtle resistance of the Fairy switch also makes it suitable for shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts seeking a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted sound and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for office settings and ensuring a comfortable typing experience for daily professional tasks. Despite their differences in sound and feel, both switches provide quality options for users looking for linear switches with distinct characteristics. Whether you choose the Dream or Fairy switch, you can expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a very light linear option at an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Akko Fairy switches would be the ideal option, especially for office settings. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with easy-to-press feel or a muted sound with a polished and subtle typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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