Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko Fairy, a linear switch, and the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch. The Fairy switches from Akko are highly praised for their smooth typing experience, thanks to factory-applied lubrication that ensures a refined feel with minimal friction. These switches are ideal for office settings, offering a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between satisfying key presses and comfort during extended use. In comparison, the Cream Blue switches from Outemu are known for their clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a more pronounced typing experience. While the Fairy switches cater to a quieter workspace and professional tasks, the Cream Blue switches offer a more tactile and audible typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cream Blue switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, providing a consistent feel and sound profile across both switches. Nylon as a housing material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics contributes to a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying auditory experience for users of both switches.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cream Blue may differ in their overall typing experience due to potential variations in other components such as the stem or spring. However, the nylon housing in both switches plays a significant role in enhancing the sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split between top and bottom housing qualities allows for a nuanced typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
Overall, the nylon housing in both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Cream Blue switches contributes to a consistent and high-quality typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. While other components may influence the typing feel, the nylon housing in both switches plays a crucial role in creating a satisfying sound profile that is sure to please enthusiasts and typists alike.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams, while the Cream Blue needs 65 grams, making the Cream Blue slightly heavier in this aspect. The Fairy offers a more moderate typing experience with a medium bottom out force, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cream Blue provides a medium-heavy bottom out force, giving a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Akko Fairy switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Cream Blue switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is looking for 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 Outemu Cream 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 is praised for its muted profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. This lack of information suggests that the Cream Blue may produce a more traditional mechanical keyboard clicky sound, which could be louder and more pronounced compared to the Fairy switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its polished and mild characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance suitable for extended use. The factory-applied lubrication enhances the overall feel, reducing friction and ensuring a comfortable keypress. In contrast, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. Without this information, it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but it's likely that the Cream Blue may have a more tactile and pronounced feel due to being a clicky switch.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with its muted sound profile and polished feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is a bit of a mystery in terms of sound and feel but is expected to offer a more traditional clicky typing experience. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Akko Fairy switch would be the recommended choice, while the Outemu Cream Blue switch may be more suited for those looking for a more tactile and clicky typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing environment you find yourself in.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience for office settings, the Fairy switch with its medium bottom out force and muted, polished feel would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a moderate-heavy bottom out force and prefer clicky switches for a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Cream Blue switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing feel and the noise level that best fits your work or gaming environment. Make sure to consider these factors to choose the switch that will enhance your overall typing experience.
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