Akko Fairy vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are clear distinctions to consider. The Fairy switches from Akko are renowned for their factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience, making them ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and avoiding fatigue, the Fairy switches are perfect for extended use without causing discomfort. In contrast, the Durock Lupine linear switches stand out for their two-stage long springs, providing a unique typing experience with consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. They also offer a classic clacky sound profile that some users prefer. Both switches fall under the linear category but have different characteristics that cater to specific preferences. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Durock Lupine differ significantly in terms of their top housings. The Fairy uses nylon for its top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Lupine opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in materials highlights how the choice of top housing can greatly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. While the Fairy offers a more muted and rounded sound, the Lupine provides a more clear and resonant sound output.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of the Akko Fairy and the Durock Lupine, they both utilize nylon as the material. This means that both switches share the qualities of nylon, such as creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. In this aspect, the two switches will likely have a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound produced by a switch. The choice to use nylon for the bottom housing ensures consistency in sound profile between these two switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Akko Fairy and the Durock Lupine results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Fairy offers a duller and rounder sound due to its nylon top housing, the Lupine provides a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and aesthetics, given the significant impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we see that the Akko Fairy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lupine's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Fairy at 60 grams and the Lupine at 62 grams. This means that both switches offer a medium typing experience in terms of force required. Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience, with lighter switches allowing for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel. Therefore, those who prefer a slightly lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Fairy, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may find the Durock Lupine more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that the Fairy has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Lupine has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both options fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are favored by gamers for quicker response times, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. For those who prefer a more abrupt key press, the Fairy may be the better option, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may prefer the Lupine. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 described as having a muted and neutral sound profile, which is softer and quieter compared to regular switches, making it ideal for office environments. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch is also neutral but with a high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, catering to a wide range of users from beginners to advanced typists. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance suitable for shared spaces. This switch provides a balanced feel that is comfortable for extended use, minimizing fatigue during long typing sessions. Similarly, the Durock Lupine linear switch is also mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience ideal for most users. With its two-stage long springs, users can feel a consistent weight distribution while typing, ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback with each press.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Fairy switch emphasizes a muted and neutral sound profile with a polished and subtle feel, catering well to office environments and extended use, the Lupine switch provides a high-pitched sound profile with a consistent weight distribution and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the intended use case, but users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings and offers a smooth typing experience with a balanced medium weight, then the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with two-stage long springs for a unique typing feel and a classic clacky sound profile, then the Durock Lupine linear switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before making your decision.
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