Akko Fairy vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences. The Fairy switches from Akko are renowned for their smooth typing experience, thanks to the factory-applied lubrication that ensures a refined feel. These switches are ideal for office settings, offering a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, making them suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. In comparison, the Koala switches provide a more pronounced bump with a stepped tactility that adds a punch to keystrokes without being too overwhelming. They offer a bit of resonance without being overly loud, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile response. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Durock Koala provide contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance, as its stiffness contributes to a crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Koala utilize nylon, which results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon helps in absorbing sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the top housings of these switches still play a significant role in shaping the sound experience. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, the top housing contributes more to the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Akko Fairy and the Durock Koala can greatly influence the sound and feel of a keyboard. The contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings result in distinctly different sound profiles, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate. However, despite the difference in top housing material, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound absorption and a rounder sound profile. Ultimately, understanding the impact of both housing materials on key press and release will help in selecting the right switch for individual preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Koala, which has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Koala is heavier with 67 grams compared to the Fairy's 60 grams. The Fairy provides a medium typing experience with a balanced actuation and bottom out force, while the Koala offers a slightly heavier feel, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the variance in their actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Fairy switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Koala switch with its longer travel distance may cater more to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 provides a muted and neutral sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a more bass-heavy tone with a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Both switches cater to a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile options for various typing preferences.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko Fairy and Durock Koala switches are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Akko Fairy switch offers a mild and subtle typing feel, striking a balance between gentle resistance and a comfortable keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch is accented and stepped, providing a medium level of tactility with a prominent bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, creating a unique typing sensation that is not overwhelming or subtle.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch each offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for office environments, while the Koala switch offers a bit of resonance and tactility for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Ultimately, both switches present viable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their personal preferences. Whether opting for the Fairy's muted and polished profile or the Koala's low-pitched and accented feel, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience ideal for office settings, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a great choice with its medium bottom out force and muted sound profile. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more tactile feedback and a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, the Durock Koala tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force and low-pitched sound profile might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize comfort and quiet typing or tactile feedback and a bit of resonance in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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