Akko Fairy vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Master both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is renowned for its refined, factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for office settings. Its medium weight strikes a balance between offering enough resistance for a satisfying press without causing fatigue, creating a quieter workspace conducive to extended use. On the other hand, the Dareu Master, also a linear switch, boasts a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. With a medium weight, it provides users with a different typing experience compared to the Akko Fairy. 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Master switches exhibit some similarities as well as differences. Both the Fairy's nylon top housing and the Master's POM top housing contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the nylon being described as softer and absorbing more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the POM top housing of the Master offers a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In terms of sound profile, both switches aim to provide a deeper and more muted typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the materials diverge. The Fairy's nylon bottom housing, similar to the top housing, is described as creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the Master's POM bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This means that while the bottom housing of both switches aims to enhance the sound profile, they do so using different materials with slightly varying characteristics.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in the typing experience. While both the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Master switches aim to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, they achieve this through different materials in their top and bottom housings. The nylon and POM materials each offer unique characteristics that influence the sound produced when typing on these switches. Whether one prefers the softer, duller sound of nylon or the more muted sound of POM, both switches provide a distinct typing experience that reflects their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Master's 45 grams. This means that users will need to apply a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke on the Fairy switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Master's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Fairy switch slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Master switch may be more suitable due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the Fairy switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a quick and smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback one prefers in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 offers a muted and neutral experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. This makes it ideal for office settings where a quieter workspace is desired. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch has a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a distinctive and lively sound. Depending on personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard will be used, users can choose between the muted and neutral sound of the Fairy or the clacky sound of the Master.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Master linear switches offer a polished and mild experience. The polished finish of the switches results in a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the mild typing experience of both switches makes them approachable to most users, with qualities that fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. This means users can expect a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with either switch, making them suitable for extended use in various settings.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer distinct yet desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switch provides a quieter, more muted sound with a subtle and comfortable typing feel, ideal for office environments and professional tasks. On the other hand, the Master switch delivers a clacky sound signature with a polished and mild typing experience, offering a livelier sound profile for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can cater to different preferences and needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a switch that is well-suited for office settings with a balanced weight for extended use, the Akko Fairy linear switch is a great choice with its medium bottom out force and factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific use case for your mechanical keyboard.
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