Akko Fairy vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it's important to consider the unique features of each. The Fairy switch stands out for its refined lubrication, making it a perfect choice for office settings where a smooth typing experience is essential. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch is ideal for daily professional tasks without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch from Dareu boasts a distinctive green and white color scheme that adds a pop of uniqueness to any keyboard. Known for its lively sound signature and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch offers a different feel compared to the Fairy switch. Both switches offer their own benefits and features, 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
45g
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
3.40 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Mahjong, it is evident that they both use nylon as the material for their top housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mahjong incorporates POK material for its top housing, which is known for being exceptionally strong and durable, with impressive wear resistance and shock resistance. While both materials offer different benefits, they ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience by providing smooth and clacky switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Mahjong utilize nylon material. This consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer nature helps to absorb more sound and create a rounder sound. By utilizing the same material for the bottom housing, both keyboards aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a more consistent sound and feel across all keys. However, the slight differences in material for the top housing between the two keyboards may result in subtle variations in sound and feel when pressing down on the switches.
Overall, while the Akko Fairy and Dareu Mahjong both use nylon for their bottom housing, they differ in the material used for the top housing. The Fairy's nylon top housing enhances the sound profile with its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. In contrast, the Mahjong's POK top housing offers exceptional durability and smoothness, contributing to a clacky typing experience. Despite these differences, both keyboards aim to provide a satisfying typing experience by combining different housing materials to achieve a balance of sound, feel, and durability in their switches.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In comparison, the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Choosing a lighter switch like the Mahjong may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Fairy with its slightly heavier forces may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the Mahjong switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial key press sensation compared to the Fairy switch. Ultimately, if you prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Akko Fairy linear switch may be the better choice, but if you prefer a slightly more pronounced key press, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch could be the one for you.
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 Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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, both the Akko Fairy and Dareu Mahjong linear switches are described as having a neutral profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The Fairy switches offer a more muted sound, thanks to their factory lubrication, making them ideal for a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches have a livelier, poppy sound signature that adds a fun element to typing. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches are known for their polished and mild characteristics, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The subtle resistance of the Fairy switches, combined with their refined finish, offers a gentle and approachable feel suitable for extended use. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches are described as bouncy and mild, giving a spring-like feedback sensation and a more lively typing experience. Additionally, the Mahjong switches also boast a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel for users.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switches are known for their muted sound and polished feel, making them ideal for office settings and extended use. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their lively sound signature and bouncy feel, adding a fun element to typing. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Fairy switches offering a quieter workspace option and the Mahjong switches adding a touch of excitement to typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches are excellent choices for newcomers looking to explore different mechanical keyboard options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the specific needs and preferences of your typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Akko Fairy switch is an excellent choice, especially for office settings where a quieter workspace is desirable. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique and lively typing experience with a bounce-back sensation, the Dareu Mahjong switch could be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so make sure to choose based on what suits your typing style and environment best.
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