Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch. The Akko Fairy is renowned for its refined, factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch is ideal for those who want a quiet workspace without sacrificing typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its satisfying clicky feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Blue switches offer contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics due to their different compositions. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. In comparison, the Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, with a more clear and resonant profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding a visual aspect to the auditory experience.
On the other hand, both the Fairy and the Blue switches feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in similar deep and full sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded tone when typing on these switches. Despite having different top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness for both the Fairy and the Blue switches. This similarity in bottom housing material may provide a common ground for users seeking a specific sound profile.
While the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch, the impact of each material differs based on the actuation and release of a key. The bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, even though the Fairy and the Blue switches may have different top and bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience may still offer a balanced combination of deep, full tones from the nylon bottom housing and sharper, clearer tones from the polycarbonate or nylon top housing, depending on the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a light and consistent touch for typing. However, the Fairy has a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing down the key. In contrast, the Blue switch has an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of heaviness. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Fairy switch may be the preferred choice, as it allows for longer typing durations without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch, as it potentially offers a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing style and desired key feel.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue clicky switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Fairy linear switch, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Fairy linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between them.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, but it is typically associated with a crisp and loud clicking noise, making it more audible in a busy environment. When considering the sound aspect, users who opt for the Fairy switch will enjoy a more subtle and refined typing experience compared to the potentially loud and distinctive click of the Blue switch.
Moving on to feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch boasts a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel, gentle resistance, and reduced friction thanks to factory lubrication. This results in a comfortable and approachable typing feel that is suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's feel qualities are unknown, but clicky switches typically offer a tactile and responsive typing experience with an audible click upon actuation. When considering the feel aspect, users who prefer a smoother and more refined typing feel may lean towards the Fairy switch, while those seeking a more tactile and clicky response may prefer the Blue switch.
Taking all available information into account, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Fairy switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Blue switch offers a potentially louder and more tactile typing experience that is typically associated with clicky switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used. Users can expect different results when using either switch, with the Fairy offering a more refined and muted experience, and the Blue providing a potentially louder and more tactile experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is well-suited for office settings, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a medium weight and muted sound profile, then the Akko Fairy linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a clicky sound and do not mind a higher level of noise, the Outemu Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for you. Consider your workspace environment, typing style, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch will come down to your personal preferences and requirements.
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