Akko Fairy vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Light Sakura each bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different user preferences and needs. The Fairy switches from Akko are well-suited for office environments, featuring factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Their medium weight provides a satisfying resistance that expertly balances comfort and performance, making them ideal for those who spend long hours typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed for ultimate discretion and comfort, presenting an ultra-light feel that is perfect for extended typing sessions. Its silent operation makes it a fantastic choice for shared spaces, allowing users to enjoy a fatigue-reducing experience without disturbing others. While both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, they cater to slightly different priorities in the workplace. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Light Sakura, it is essential to note the fundamental differences between the two types of plastics used—nylon for the Fairy and polycarbonate for the Light Sakura. The nylon material of the Fairy's top and bottom housings is characterized by its softer properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This inherently dampens the sound, leading to a more subdued acoustic response that many users find appealing for a warm typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in both the top and bottom housings of the Light Sakura is stiffer, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates with clarity. As a result, the materials not only affect the acoustic quality of each switch but also differentiate the overall typing experience between the two models.
The aesthetic aspects also play a crucial role in the comparison; the translucency of the polycarbonate housing used in the Bsun Light Sakura enhances its appeal, particularly for users who value RGB lighting effects. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of light, creating vibrant and eye-catching displays when sourced from underlying RGB lights. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Akko Fairy, while not translucent, provides a more muted appearance, which aligns with its intention of producing a sound character that emphasizes warmth rather than vibrancy. Thus, the sound and visual characteristics created by each material diverge significantly, affecting both the acoustic and aesthetic experience of the respective switches.
It’s important to consider how differing top and bottom housing materials can influence the overall performance of the switches. With the Akko Fairy, both housings utilize nylon, leading to a consistent sound profile characterized by dampened acoustics throughout the typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura, with its polycarbonate construction, splits the sound characteristics whereby the top housing contributes to a crisper sound during key releases while the bottom housing maintains a clear projection. This unique combination retains a balance where users can appreciate both the resonant and full sound profiles. Although the materials differ, skilled users can achieve different auditory sensations through their approach, allowing for a tailored experience depending on personal preferences and typing techniques.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy switch has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more robust typing experience that many might find satisfying for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch is designed with a lighter touch, featuring an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter resistance allows for easier and quicker key presses, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize comfort over extended periods, such as during work or gaming marathons. Therefore, if someone prefers a more substantial feel when typing, the Akko Fairy switch would be the better option, while those seeking a lighter and more effortless experience should gravitate towards the Bsun Light Sakura switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Akko Fairy features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Fairy the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Light Sakura, with its extended travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth during typing, as it provides a deeper and potentially more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preference: those favoring speed might lean towards the Akko Fairy, while those valuing depth may opt for the Bsun Light Sakura.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy switch stands out as a muted option, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional or clacky switches. This subdued audio profile makes it particularly suitable for office environments where minimizing noise is essential. Its neutral sound characteristics allow for versatility; it adapts well whether used by beginners or more experienced typists, making it a fitting choice for various settings. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed to be a silent switch, also catering to the need for quietness in shared spaces. While we do not have specific descriptors for its sound, it undoubtedly aligns with the Fairy's goal of providing minimal disturbance.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch is polished and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. The factory-applied lubrication contributes to reduced friction, leading to a gentle key travel that balances ease of pressing with enough resistance to provide feedback without causing fatigue. Its subtle resistance makes for a typing experience that remains approachable and agreeable for most users. Meanwhile, information about the feel of the Light Sakura switch remains unspecified, so we can't directly compare its tactile qualities. However, given its focus on comfort, one can infer that it likely shares similarities with the Fairy in promoting a fatigue-reducing typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy and Bsun Light Sakura switches are tailored for quiet, comfortable usage, making them ideal for office settings and shared environments. The Fairy excels with its polished feel and muted sound, designed for professionals requiring extended typing sessions. The Light Sakura aims for a similar outcome with its silent operation and ultra-light feel, likely providing a gentle typing experience unmatched in simplicity and discretion. Ultimately, both switches strive to deliver satisfaction in their respective categories, making them excellent choices for anyone prioritizing performance and noise reduction in their typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, consider your specific typing needs and environments. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced, satisfying resistance of 60 grams, the Fairy is a great choice. Its polished and muted characteristics make it ideal for office settings, where a smooth and quiet typing experience is desired, especially during long work hours. However, if you prefer an even lighter switch that offers an ultra-soft feel with a lower bottom out force of 43 grams, the Light Sakura is perfectly tailored for extended typing sessions in shared spaces. Its gentle operation ensures that you can type discreetly without causing disturbances, making it suitable for distraction-free environments. Ultimately, both switches cater to particular preferences—opt for the Fairy if you value a refined touch and a bit more resistance, while the Light Sakura is perfect for those who prioritize comfort and subtlety during their typing endeavors.
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