Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Fairy switches from Akko are praised for their smooth typing experience, ideal for office settings due to their factory-applied lubrication. The medium weight of the Fairy switches strikes a perfect balance, offering enough resistance for a satisfying press without causing fatigue, making them comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Lotus linear switch from Outemu does not have any specific standout features mentioned. While the Fairy switch is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', the Lotus switch does not have any defined characteristics. Overall, the Fairy switch seems to be a solid choice for office environments and daily professional tasks, whereas the Lotus switch may lack distinct qualities. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Lotus utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their design and construction, despite both using nylon for their housing. The Akko Fairy may have a different internal structure or mechanism compared to the Outemu Lotus, which could affect the overall typing experience in terms of actuation force, travel distance, and smoothness. The specific layout and design of the internal components can significantly impact how a switch feels and sounds, regardless of the housing material used.
While both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Lotus boast nylon housing for a similar sound profile, it's essential to consider the overall build quality and design of each switch. Factors such as key stability, wobble, and consistency across switches can greatly impact the typing experience. Additionally, the choice of stem material, spring weight, and lubrication can all contribute to the overall feel and sound of a switch, complementing the effects of the nylon housing for a unique typing experience. Ultimately, users may find subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches, even though they share the same housing material.
Weight
Comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy switch has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lotus switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lotus switch requires less force to initiate a keystroke but slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Fairy switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus switch, as it allows for easier and quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Fairy switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with lighter switches being ideal for long typing sessions and heavier switches for those who prefer a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience with either switch. While one may have expected a difference in travel distance between the two switches, it is clear that both the Fairy and Lotus switches offer the same level of 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 Lotus 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. This makes it ideal for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and reduced friction. This results in comfortable and approachable typing feel that is suitable for extended use. Conversely, there is no available information about the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch, but based on the qualities of the Akko Fairy switch, one can expect a similar comfortable and smooth typing experience.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its quiet and comfortable typing experience, making it a great choice for office environments where noise levels need to be minimized. With its medium weight and refined lubrication, it strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and comfort for extended use. While information about the Outemu Lotus linear switch is limited, if it shares similar characteristics to the Akko Fairy switch, users can expect a similarly pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a medium bottom out force, refined lubrication for smooth typing, and a balanced feel that is ideal for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch that offers a quiet typing experience without sacrificing comfort, the Outemu Lotus switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a muted and polished typing experience with the Fairy switch or a light and comfortable feel with the Lotus switch, both options provide unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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