Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's important to consider your specific typing needs and preferences. The Akko Fairy switch is praised for its smooth and refined typing experience, making it a great choice for office settings where a quiet environment is desired. With factory-applied lubrication for a smooth operation and a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch is ideal for professional tasks that require extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch offers a clicky typing experience that some users prefer for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. While the Gold switch may not be as well-suited for quiet environments, it can be a satisfying choice for those who enjoy the tactile response of each keystroke. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold switches offer distinct characteristics based on their composition. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both materials bring unique qualities to the switches in terms of sound and feel when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Fairy and the Gold feature nylon as their choice. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that despite differences in top housing composition, the sound and feel of bottom-out keystrokes may be similar between the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Gold switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches, emphasizing the importance of material selection in achieving specific sound profiles.
When considering switches with different top and bottom housing materials, it's important to recognize how each material impacts the sound and feel of keystrokes. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material will affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will influence the sound upon key release. Understanding the role of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience can help users differentiate between switches like the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Gold, despite potential similarities in certain aspects of their sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches, catering to individual preferences for typing aesthetics and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that the Gold switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams compared to the Fairy's 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The Fairy switch offers a slightly heavier initial push, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Gold switch's lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that they differ in this aspect. The Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Gold's 4 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Fairy may appeal to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Gold switch may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, the Fairy would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress, the Gold switch would be more suitable.
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 Gold 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, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's hard to directly compare. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, with smooth key travel and a gentle resistance. This makes it a comfortable option for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect as well.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a solid choice. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch are not clearly defined in terms of sound and feel, you can expect similar results if you prioritize a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific use case for your keyboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider the specific needs of your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience in a professional setting, the Akko Fairy linear switch is the way to go. With its refined lubrication, medium weight, muted sound, and polished feel, it is ideal for office use where a quiet and comfortable typing experience is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and clicky typing experience without any specific sound or feel preferences, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, so it is essential to consider your personal needs when making a decision.
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