Akko Fairy vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Holly offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is well-suited for office settings with its smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between satisfying key presses and comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, stands out for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a more distinctive typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Dareu Holly switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile with a higher pitch, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Holly allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing experience. Despite their differences, both housing materials offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and appearance.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Fairy and Holly switches are constructed from nylon, offering a similar deep and full sound profile. This choice of material enhances the typing experience by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both switches maintain a consistent tactile feel and sound profile across the board, ensuring a reliable and satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Akko Fairy and Dareu Holly switches may vary in their top housing materials (nylon vs. polycarbonate), their choice of nylon for the bottom housing provides similar benefits in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The differences in top housing materials lead to distinct sound characteristics (deeper and fuller vs. sharper and crisper), catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound profile or a sharper, clearer sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be tailored to individual tastes.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive when triggering a keystroke. However, the Akko Fairy has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Dareu Holly, whose bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Akko Fairy may be the better option due to its lighter bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a heavier push feel may lean towards the Dareu Holly, even though its bottom out force is unspecified. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Holly has a longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. The 4.0mm travel distance is considered traditional, while 3.0mm is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Fairy a favorable choice for them. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Holly due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so ultimately it comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and feel.
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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique chirpy and clacky sound combination, giving users a distinctive auditory feedback while typing. Depending on personal preference, the Fairy switch will offer a more subdued typing experience, while the Holly switch will provide a more lively and expressive sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is praised for its polished, mild, and subtle characteristics, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. This makes it suitable for extended use and shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided. If similar to the Akko Fairy, users can expect a comfortable and approachable typing feel without excessive tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch is a great choice for those seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience, making it ideal for office settings and extended use. With its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight, it strikes a balance between comfort and functionality. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users looking for a more expressive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options providing quality typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings, offers a smooth typing experience with a medium weight, and is conducive to a quieter workspace, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would cater to those looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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