Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Fairy switches from Akko are lauded for their smooth, lubricated feel, making them a popular choice for office settings where a quiet typing experience is desired. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are ideal for extended daily use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is known for its audible click sound feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile sensation of a clicky switch. While the Fairy switch leans towards a polished, muted, and subtle typing experience, the Dustproof Blue switch offers a more pronounced and tactile feedback. 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
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
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 Dustproof Blue both offer unique sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant tone. While the Fairy's nylon top housing offers a more muted sound, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing ensures a brighter and more vibrant sound, catering to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Dustproof Blue feature nylon materials, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone when typing on the switches. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users of both switches can expect a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness. However, the impact of the bottom housing may vary slightly depending on the key press, as the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by this component of the switch.
Overall, the differences between the nylon top housing of the Fairy and the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Blue offer distinct experiences in sound and aesthetics. The Fairy's nylon top housing creates a more subdued and muffled sound, while the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and more vibrant sound profile. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Dustproof Blue's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent depth and fullness in sound when typing, highlighting the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Fairy has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Dustproof Blue's heavier 65 grams. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, which is suitable for typists who prefer a balance between responsiveness and ease of typing. The lighter bottom out force of the Fairy may appeal to those who enjoy typing for extended periods without fatigue, while the heavier bottom out force of the Dustproof Blue may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Fairy linear switch. The Fairy linear switch with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Dustproof Blue clicky switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more robust key press feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press 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 Dustproof 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral typing experience, which is perfect for maintaining a quiet workspace environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound description is unknown. The Fairy switch's muted sound profile minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for various settings. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. The switch's smooth and refined finish, combined with a gentle resistance, offers a comfortable and pleasant typing feel. In comparison, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is unknown. The Fairy switch's qualities make it approachable to most users, striking a balance between comfort and usability. The smooth key travel and reduced friction contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, aligning well with professional tasks that require extended use.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its muted sound profile, refined feel, and balanced weight that make it ideal for office settings and daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's qualities are not specified. If you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet and comfortable typing experience, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and usage requirements.
Conclusion
Therefore, when making a decision between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is well-suited for office settings, offers a smooth typing experience, and has a balanced medium weight, the Akko Fairy linear switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and do not mind a louder typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing needs.
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