Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is evident that both have their unique strengths and characteristics. The Fairy switches from Akko are distinguished by their factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth typing experience ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are suitable for extended daily professional use. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red switches from Outemu do not have a specific standout feature but are known for their reliability. While the Fairy switches offer a polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle typing experience, the Dustproof Red switches lack a specific categorization. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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 Red switches both offer unique characteristics that impact the sound profile and typing experience. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound for a rounder tone. In contrast, the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. While the Fairy's nylon bottom housing shares similar properties with its top housing, creating a consistent sound profile, the Dustproof Red's nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound with its softer plastic composition.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings. Both nylon bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder tone. However, the impact of the top housing material should not be overlooked, as it contributes to the release sound when letting go of a key. Overall, while the two switches may have slight variations in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience that is deep and full.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper tone. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile that is deep and full. Whether you prefer a rounder sound with the Fairy or a more resonant sound with the Dustproof Red, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ slightly between the two. The Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dustproof Red's 45 grams. However, both switches require the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Akko Fairy may feel slightly heavier when initially pressing the key, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be similar for both switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Red may be the better option, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Akko Fairy for a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Dustproof Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. The Fairy's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Dustproof Red's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer more depth. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference.
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 Red 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 typing experience, producing softer and quieter keystrokes compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it a suitable choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has no specific sound description provided, so it is harder to compare in this aspect. Keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its polished and mild characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. This results in comfortable and quiet keystrokes, making it suitable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, there is no specific feel description provided for the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, making it difficult to directly compare the tactile experience offered by these switches.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its balanced feel and quiet sound profile, making it an excellent choice for office settings or those who prioritize comfortable typing experiences. While the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch may offer similar qualities, the lack of specific information makes it harder to determine how it compares directly to the Akko Fairy switch. When choosing between these switches, consider your preference for sound and feel, as well as the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that excels in office settings with its smooth typing experience, balanced weight, and muted sound profile, the Akko Fairy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize dustproofing and are comfortable with a standard linear switch feel, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different needs, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing habits and work environment.
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