Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Ocean offer distinct experiences for users. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. Ideal for office settings, the Fairy switches are lubricated at the factory, ensuring a quiet workspace and suitability for extended use during daily professional tasks. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, lacks specific standout features but provides a different typing feel compared to the Fairy. While the Fairy is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Ocean does not have any particular categorization. When choosing between these two switches, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Ocean, one major difference is in their top housing materials. The Fairy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Ocean employs polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile because of polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on these switches.
However, a similarity between the two switches is found in their bottom housing materials, both being made of nylon. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics do. This similarity in bottom housing material gives a common feel and sound experience when pressing down on the keys, despite the differences in their top housing materials. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Ocean showcases how these materials impact the sound profile of mechanical switches. The nylon top housing of the Fairy provides a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean creates a clearer and resonant sound. This distinction in sound quality is further influenced by the shared nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing on both switches. The choice of housing materials in a mechanical switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ocean's 55 grams, making the Fairy easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Fairy has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Fairy requires more force to fully press the key, the Ocean's bottom out force remains a mystery. In terms of weight and force, the Fairy is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier when it comes to bottoming out, whereas the Ocean is heavier in actuation force but lacks information on bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Fairy's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Ocean's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may find the Fairy's shorter travel distance to be more abrupt, while others may appreciate the Ocean's longer travel for a more substantial feel. In terms of travel distance, the Akko Fairy is shorter while the Outemu Ocean is longer, offering users a choice between a quicker response or a more pronounced key press.
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 Ocean 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 sound profile, producing softer and quieter typing noises compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimal. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so we can infer that it may produce a standard mechanical keyboard sound. However, the sound produced by switches also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished and mild typing experience. The smooth and refined finish, combined with a gentle resistance, offers a comfortable typing feel that is approachable and non-fatiguing. This makes it suitable for long typing sessions and professional use. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks provided descriptors for its feel. Based on the absence of descriptors, we can assume that it may offer a standard tactile typing experience with a typical level of feedback.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its quiet and comfortable typing experience, making it a suitable choice for office settings and daily professional tasks. The switch's balanced medium weight and factory-applied lubrication contribute to its smooth feel and reduced friction. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch are unknown, if the sound and feel characteristics of the two switches align closely, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should opt for the Fairy if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for office settings and extended use. The Fairy's medium weight and refined lubrication offer a comfortable and balanced feel that minimizes fatigue and noise. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and unknown characteristics, the Outemu Ocean may not be the best choice for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and intended usage.
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