Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch. The Akko Fairy is known for its smooth typing experience, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication that ensures a refined feel with each key press. Ideal for office settings, the Fairy switches offer a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making them perfect for long hours of use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is characterized by a clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Fairy switch is polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Milk Blue switch does not have any specific defining characteristics. Both switches have their distinct advantages, but diving deeper into their features and qualities can help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Milk Blue, we can see a clear distinction in sound profiles. The Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and duller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, catering to different preferences based on the desired sound feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Milk Blue utilize nylon for this component. This means that the typing experience in terms of sound and feel will be quite similar for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic nature creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel when using either of these switches. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases how certain aspects of a switch's performance can remain constant, regardless of slight variations in housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Milk Blue may come down to personal preferences in sound profiles. Those looking for a softer and rounder sound experience may prefer the Fairy with its nylon top housing, while individuals seeking a sharper and clearer sound may lean towards the Milk Blue with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of bottom housing material, ensuring a deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of nylon housing. Whether the focus is on the top or bottom housing material, users can expect reliable performance from these switches.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This lack of information may indicate a lighter bottom out force compared to the Fairy. The actuation force of both switches is the same, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. When it comes to weight preferences, some users may appreciate the lighter feel of the Milk Blue for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the Fairy's heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The shorter travel distance of the Fairy switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milk Blue switch might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Fairy providing a quicker, snappier feel and the Milk Blue offering a more deliberate, tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Milk Blue 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 known for its muted characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings where noise levels need to be minimized. This switch's neutral profile also makes it versatile for various users and environments. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch is often praised for its polished and mild typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. With a subtle resistance, this switch provides a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, there is no available description for the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, making it challenging to contrast its tactile qualities with those of the Akko Fairy linear switch.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its refined lubrication, medium weight, and quiet operation, making it a recommended choice for office environments and extended use. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are unknown in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between the two switches to ensure the best match for your needs. Ultimately, both switches could potentially provide a satisfying typing experience, but without more information on the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison of their subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the specific environment and typing experience you are looking for. If you value a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially in an office setting, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium weight and refined lubrication is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced clicky sound and an expressive typing feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences and the context in which you will be using the keyboard.
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