Akko Fairy vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Zuoce Lavender both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Fairy switch from Akko is praised for its factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, it is perfect for long hours of typing without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box. It offers an easy-to-press feel that enhances typing speed and accuracy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the Zuoce Lavender both feature unique housing materials for their switches, with the Fairy utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Lavender uses POM for both components. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings in the Lavender switches result in a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to nylon. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a distinct sound experience that enhances typing satisfaction.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are the same material, such as the Akko Fairy with nylon or the Zuoce Lavender with POM, the qualities of that specific housing material will be consistent throughout the switch. This uniformity in material allows for a seamless sound profile that is maintained both when a key is pressed down and when it is released. The impact of the housing material on the sound and feel of the switch is evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent typing experience that is influenced by the specific characteristics of the chosen material.
While both the Akko Fairy and the Zuoce Lavender offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the choice between nylon and POM ultimately comes down to personal preference. Nylon's soft plastic composition and sound absorption properties create a deeper and fuller sound, while POM's pleasing and muted sound profile adds a different dimension to the typing experience. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound with nylon or a deeper and more muted sound with POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is enhanced by their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch which has an actuation force of 48 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Akko Fairy requires 60 grams while the Zuoce Lavender only needs 53 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the Lavender is slightly lighter when it comes to bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Zuoce Lavender, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Akko Fairy. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a personal preference that can impact typing comfort and endurance during long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lavender switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Fairy a good choice for them. However, some people may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth, in which case they may lean towards the Lavender switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the feel and response of the switch during use.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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, which is softer and quieter compared to regular switches, making it suitable for office environments where noise level is a concern. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press for a more distinctive typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard and keycaps, these sound characteristics can enhance your overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. The Zuoce Lavender switch, on the other hand, is known for being easy-to-press, providing a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing experience, with the Fairy switch leaning towards a more refined feel while the Lavender switch focuses on ease of typing with minimal resistance.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smoother feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a suitable choice, especially for office settings or for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more distinctive and clacky sound with easy-to-press switches that reduce typing fatigue, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be a great option for a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, you should first assess your priorities. If you value a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium bottom out force that is suitable for office settings, then the Akko Fairy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with exceptional smoothness, a crisp and clacky sound, and a lighter bottom out force for effortless typing, the Zuoce Lavender switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities matter most to you in a keyboard switch, whether it be for work productivity or gaming enjoyment.
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