Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer unique advantages tailored to different user needs. The Akko Fairy, renowned for its refined, factory-applied lubrication, provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments where a quieter yet responsive switch is crucial. With a medium actuation weight, the Fairy strikes a harmonious balance that prevents finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, ensuring comfort without compromising performance. In contrast, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean lacks a specific standout feature, it positions itself as a reliable alternative for those seeking a linear switch. The "dustproof" nature suggests durability and minimal maintenance, which can appeal to users looking for longevity in their keyboard accessories. Both switches are categorized as linear, benefiting users seeking a clean keystroke without 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, a notable distinction can be found in their top housings. The Fairy employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its sound-absorbing properties due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that characterizes the user's typing experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer material that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The increased rigidity of the polycarbonate allows for clearer sound resonance, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. These differences in sound characteristics can lead to distinct auditory experiences while using each switch.
On the other hand, both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both switches use nylon material. This similarity in bottom housing translates to the same deeper and rounder sound profile felt during bottom-out moments when pressing the switches. The nylon's softer nature enhances the tactile experience and contributes to a more muted sound, ensuring that the feel remains consistent across both models for this specific aspect. Ultimately, the shared nylon composition in the bottom housing leads to similarities in the underlying tactile feedback, despite the contrasting top housing materials that influence the overall sound.
When considering the combined effects of the top and bottom housings in both switches, it's clear that the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean provide distinct experiences influenced by their material choices. The nylon bottom housing in both cases ensures a uniform typing feel that emphasizes the switch's tactile properties. However, the variation in sound profiles from the nylon and polycarbonate top housings is significant; the Fairy's soft, absorbing nylon contrasts with the Dustproof Silent Ocean's more resonant, vibrant polycarbonate. Together, the combination of materials adds to the complexity of the user's sensory experience, allowing for tailored preferences in sound and tactile feedback while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Fairy features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Silent Ocean switch more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Fairy switch has a force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 65 grams, making the Fairy a bit softer when fully pressed down. Overall, the Akko Fairy is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a heavier bottom out experience, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you'll experience an identical distance of travel for both switches. As a result, if you're looking for a consistent feel in terms of keypress depth, you'll achieve similar results with either switch, making them suitable options for users who prefer a linear switch with equal responsiveness in key travel.
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 Silent Ocean 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 notably muted and neutral. This means that it produces a softer, quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical switches, making it an excellent option for office environments or shared spaces. The muted profile minimizes the usual auditory distractions commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. Its neutral characteristics ensure that users of varying skill levels find it appropriate for both work and home use. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks any specified sound profile, which leaves uncertainty regarding its auditory characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch offers a polished and mild experience, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication that reduces friction and provides a smooth key travel. The gentle resistance creates a subtle typing experience that is approachable for a wide range of users, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. This switch effectively combines ease of use with an enjoyable tactile sensation, making it suitable for daily professional tasks. Meanwhile, there is no information available about the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, creating a gap in comparative analysis.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out as a well-rounded option, especially for those prioritizing a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Its muted sound and smooth feel make it ideal for office settings, promoting productivity without the distraction of noise or fatigue. The absence of sound and feel descriptors for the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch leaves us with incomplete information, making it difficult to provide a full comparison. However, if sound and tactile experiences align, both switches would serve similar purposes in quieter environments, emphasizing the importance of individual preferences when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences in a typing environment. If you find yourself working in an office or shared space where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, the Akko Fairy is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and polished, refined feel. The medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a comfortable balance that suits extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, while the factory lubrication enhances smooth key travel, making it perfect for professional tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be a better fit, especially if you value durability and the ability to keep dust at bay. While the Dustproof Silent Ocean lacks the refined characteristics of the Fairy, its resistance might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing environment, the preference for sound levels, and whether you lean towards a smoother or firmer feel.
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