Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Fairy switch is renowned for its smooth typing experience, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. Ideal for office settings, the Fairy switch offers a quieter workspace and is comfortable for extended use, making it perfect for daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch stands out with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing enthusiasts with a satisfying and distinct typing feel. While the Fairy switch is praised for its refined and muted characteristics, the Cold Plum switch offers a more unique typing experience with its satisfying sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cold Plum, both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This means that the typing experience and sound profile will be quite similar between the two switches. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall, which can be pleasing to many users.
Despite both switches using the same housing material, the differences in other components such as the stems and springs can still impact the overall feel and sound of the switch. While the nylon housing may contribute to the deeper sound profile, the stem and spring design can affect the tactility and actuation force of the switch. Therefore, even with similar housing materials, the overall typing experience may vary between the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cold Plum.
Overall, the choice of housing material, in this case nylon, plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of a mechanical switch. Both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cold Plum benefit from using nylon housings, as it helps create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While other factors may influence the overall typing experience, the housing material sets the foundation for the switch's acoustics and can greatly impact the user's typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we can see that the Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams while the Cold Plum needs 70 grams, making the Cold Plum the heavier option overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Akko Fairy more comfortable, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Outemu Cold Plum. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press sensitivity and overall feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch have a travel distance of 3.3mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with the same amount of key travel. Whether you opt for the Fairy or the Cold Plum, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and key travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the other characteristics each switch offers.
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 Cold Plum 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted and neutral profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office settings and professional environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a unique thocky sound profile that enthusiasts find enjoyable, adding a distinct touch to the typing experience. While the Fairy switch focuses on minimizing noise, the Cold Plum switch emphasizes a satisfying sound that enhances the overall typing feel. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches will come down to personal taste and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, characterized by its smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a comfortable key travel. This makes it suitable for extended use and maintains a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. On the contrary, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch lacks specific descriptions on feel, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares directly to the Fairy switch. However, given its nylon construction and smooth keystroke, it can be inferred that the Cold Plum switch offers a unique and satisfying feel that complements its thocky sound profile.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switch excels in providing a muted and polished typing experience suitable for professional settings, while the Cold Plum switch stands out with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, making them complementary options in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, individuals can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, albeit with different characteristics that cater to diverse tastes in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience for office settings, the Akko Fairy linear switch with its medium weight and refined lubrication would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you are an enthusiast seeking a unique and thocky typing feel with a distinct sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch with its fully nylon construction would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should be based on whether you prioritize a quiet and refined typing experience or a more distinct and enjoyable typing feel. Consider your preferences and needs to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and environment.
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