Akko Fairy vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch both offer unique qualities to consider. The Akko Fairy stands out for its smooth and quiet typing experience, ideal for office settings where noise is a concern. With factory-applied lubrication and a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch is perfect for prolonged daily use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a different tactile experience with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, accompanied by a distinct jelly-like sound signature. While the Fairy is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', the Medium Tactile is characterized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', 'Polished'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and needs, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in their choice of housing materials. The Fairy features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, giving it an edge in terms of aesthetics. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel will be more pronounced in the Fairy due to its softer plastic composition.
When comparing the nylon bottom housings of the Akko Fairy and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches offer a similar deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon. This material is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound, leading to a satisfying typing experience. However, the top housing of each switch sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Fairy's nylon top housing complements its bottom housing by enhancing the overall typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound quality, especially noticeable when releasing a key.
In the case of switches with different top and bottom housing materials, such as the Akko Fairy and the Durock Medium Tactile, the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, with the Fairy offering a rounder sound profile due to its nylon top housing, and the Medium Tactile providing a crisper and resonant sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Durock switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Fairy switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams. In terms of weight, the Fairy switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier force. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, resulting in similar typing experiences for those who prefer a moderate resistance.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Fairy may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Medium Tactile switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
The Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it a great choice for office settings where noise needs to be minimized. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature that may appeal to those looking for a unique auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Fairy switch is described as polished and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience that is comfortable for long periods of use. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch is known for its accented tactility, offering a balanced feel that is not too overwhelming or subtle. Overall, while the Fairy switch excels in offering a quiet and refined typing experience suitable for office environments, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced tactility and distinctive sound signature, making it a great choice for those looking for a tactile typing experience with a bit of flair. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what specific characteristics the user is looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when faced with the decision between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially in an office setting, the Akko Fairy linear switch with its medium bottom out force and factory-applied lubrication may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force could be more to your liking. Consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch carefully before making your decision, and remember that the right switch for you is ultimately the one that enhances your overall typing experience.
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