Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Akko Fairy is favored for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments where noise levels are a concern. Its medium weight provides just the right amount of resistance for comfortable typing without causing fatigue, perfect for long hours of use. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have any distinct features mentioned but is categorized as a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump in keypress feedback. While the Fairy switch is more polished and muted, the Milk Tea switch is likely to provide a more pronounced typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Milk Tea switches both feature nylon as a classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. However, the Milk Tea switch also features a Ly top housing which offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. This contrasts with the Fairy's nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches have nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, the top housings of the Fairy and Milk Tea switches offer different acoustic experiences. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing adds a bright sound signature that enhances the typing experience with resonant clacks, while the Fairy's nylon top housing creates a more subdued sound that is deeper and fuller. This difference in sound characteristics between the top housings of the two switches provides users with unique auditory feedback when typing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Milk Tea switches demonstrate the impact that different materials can have on typing sound and feel. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the contrasting top housing materials (Ly for Milk Tea and nylon for Fairy) offer distinct sound signatures. Users can expect a brighter and more resonant typing experience with the Milk Tea switch, while the Fairy switch provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound characteristics.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Milk Tea's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams while the Milk Tea's force is unknown. This means that the Fairy switch provides a bit more resistance throughout the keystroke process. Some users may prefer the Fairy for a more substantial typing experience, while others may find the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Akko Fairy has the shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. This means that the Fairy switch will provide a quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Both switches offer different benefits depending on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Fairy providing a faster response and the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea offering a more substantial key press feel.
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 Tea 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 typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This is ideal for an office setting or for those who prefer a more subdued typing noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished and refined typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. The switch offers a mild typing feel, making it comfortable for extended use without causing fatigue. Additionally, the Fairy switch has a subtle resistance and a gentle sound signature, making it suitable for shared workspaces. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is unknown, so it's challenging to make a direct comparison on this aspect.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch is a great choice for those looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience, especially in office environments. With its polished and mild feel, it strikes a balance between comfort and performance. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are unknown in terms of sound and feel, if it follows similar characteristics to the Akko Fairy, you can expect a comparable level of satisfaction in both aspects. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are working in an office setting where a quiet and smooth typing experience is important, the Akko Fairy switches with their factory-applied lubrication and medium weight may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with no bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels, the Outemu Milk Tea switches may be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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