Akko Fairy vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy and the Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note some key differences between the two. The Fairy switches from Akko are ideal for office settings, offering a smooth typing experience with factory-applied lubrication for a refined feel. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying keypresses and comfort for extended use, these switches are perfect for a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches, a tribute to Kobe Bryant, provide a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience. While both switches are linear, the Fairy switch is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', while the Mamba switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Durock Mamba both bring unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Fairy's nylon top and bottom housing create a deep and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offer a pleasant and bright sound profile, while the POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both housing materials aim to enhance typing experiences through the sound produced when pressing and releasing keys.
Where the Fairy and Mamba differ in their housing materials is in the specific sound profiles they create. The Fairy's nylon housing is described as creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving typists a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing provides a brighter sound profile, while the POM bottom housing adds a deeper and more muted tone. These varying sound profiles cater to different preferences, with the Fairy offering a rounder sound and the Mamba providing a slightly sharper yet pleasant sound for typing enthusiasts.
Although the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Durock Mamba bring distinct qualities to the switches, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through the sound produced. The softer nylon material in the Fairy's housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and fuller sound profile, while the Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing creates a brighter sound. Whether typing on the Fairy or the Mamba, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with different sound profiles tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of the pressure needed to fully press down the key. However, the Akko Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Durock Mamba's actuation force is unknown. This means that the Akko Fairy may feel easier to type on initially compared to the Durock Mamba, which might require a bit more force to initiate a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Akko Fairy, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Durock Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm while the Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. The slightly longer travel distance of the Mamba may provide a bit more depth to the key press compared to the Fairy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 the Durock Mamba linear switches are described as having a neutral profile, making them versatile options suitable for various environments. The Fairy switch is known for its muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings, while the Mamba switch offers a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback. However, the actual sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, both the Fairy and Mamba switches offer a polished typing experience, characterized by smooth and refined key travel. The Fairy switch provides a mild and subtle resistance, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. Similarly, the Mamba switch offers a mild feel that is suitable for extended typing sessions, aligning with the smooth and sleek typing experience associated with polished switches. Overall, users can expect a consistent and comfortable typing feel from both switches, with slight variations in resistance and sound feedback.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer pleasant typing experiences with their polished feel and neutral sound profiles. While the Fairy switch is known for its muted sound and subtle resistance, making it ideal for office use, the Mamba switch stands out with its thocky sound and gliding typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound preference and typing feel, but users can expect similar levels of quality and comfort from both options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider the environment and experience you are looking for. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a balanced weight that is ideal for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch with its muted sound and polished feel would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba switch with its neutral sound profile and polished feel may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your typing environment.
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