Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Fairy switch is characterized by its smooth typing experience, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication which provides a refined touch ideal for office settings. Its medium weight strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and comfort during extended use, making it perfect for professional tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch is known for its tactile feedback and audible click, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. While the Fairy switch offers a quieter workspace, the Green switch delivers a more distinct typing feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 Akko Fairy and the Outemu Green both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Fairy featuring a nylon top housing and the Green featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Fairy produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Green creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as its stiffer plastic nature leads to a more clear and resonant sound. While both housing materials have their own distinctive sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound profiles.
On the other hand, both the Fairy and the Green switches have nylon bottom housings, which offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Fairy or the Green switch.
Overall, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Green switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Fairy offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Green provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and resonant sound will determine which switch is better suited for their typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for those looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Fairy is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Green. The Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Green has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Fairy requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to fully press a key compared to the Green. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Fairy, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Green due to its heavier forces, providing a more tactile and forceful typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Green clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Fairy's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Green clicky switch's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feedback.
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 Green 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 provides a muted and neutral typing experience, reducing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards while still offering a satisfying sound profile suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch has no specific sound description provided, but being a clicky switch, it is expected to produce a loud and pronounced click with each key press. This difference in sound profile between the two switches is important to consider depending on your preference for a quieter or more audible typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its polished, mild, and subtle characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not have a specific feel description provided, but being a clicky switch, it typically offers a tactile bump and audible click during actuation, providing a more pronounced and tactile typing feel compared to linear switches. This difference in tactile feedback and overall feel between the two switches can significantly impact your typing experience and preference.
Taking into account the sound and feel qualities of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the unknown qualities of the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is clear that the Fairy switch offers a quieter, more refined typing experience with a balanced medium weight, making it well-suited for office settings and daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Green switch is likely to provide a more tactile and audible typing experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible clicks of clicky switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a medium weight and muted sound for office settings, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy clicky switch with no specific sound or feel preferences, the Outemu Green clicky switch could be suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what best suits your needs and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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