Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Purple 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 Purple tactile switch. The Akko Fairy switch is ideal for office settings, offering a smooth typing experience due to its factory-applied lubrication. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch is perfect for extended use without causing fatigue, making it perfect for professionals seeking a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch lacks specific standout features but is known for its tactile feedback. While the Fairy switch is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Purple switch has no specific categories. Both switches have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
50g
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
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 housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Purple switches offer contrasting sound profiles based on their composition. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance, thanks to its stiffer composition. While both materials are classic switch housing options, they offer distinct audio experiences for users based on their preferences.
While the Fairy and Purple switches differ in their top housing materials, they share the same nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound overall, as nylon is known for absorbing sound and creating a rounder tone. The softer nature of the nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to a more subdued sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches. Despite the differences in their top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar sound quality between the Akko Fairy and Outemu Purple switches.
The impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch cannot be understated. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each component can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. In the case of the Akko Fairy and Outemu Purple switches, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials provides users with a unique typing experience that caters to their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Outemu Purple tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, they both share a similar actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Fairy has a bottom out force of 60 grams while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Fairy is slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Purple, on the other hand, provides a lighter typing experience since its bottom out force is unavailable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding typing comfort and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Purple tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Fairy offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Purple switch provides a deeper and more tactile feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Fairy being the shorter option and the Purple being the longer one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a deeper 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 Purple 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 nature, producing a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specified sound description, so it is difficult to compare directly in this aspect. However, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so both switches may provide similar results in terms of sound depending on these variables.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to its factory-applied lubrication. The switch has a mild and subtle feel, providing a comfortable typing experience without causing fatigue even during extended use. Conversely, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specified feel description, making it challenging to directly compare with the Fairy switch in this aspect. Nevertheless, based on the available information, the Fairy switch stands out for its polished and comfortable feel that caters to prolonged typing sessions.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with its muted sound and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for office environments and daily professional tasks. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Purple tactile switch are not directly specified in the provided information, the Fairy switch's attributes of smoothness and medium weight suggest a pleasant typing experience that is likely comparable to or even surpassing the Purple switch in certain aspects. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, but the Akko Fairy linear switch shines for its refined lubrication and balanced feel, making it a standout option for newcomers seeking a quality mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the setting in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you're in an office environment and need a switch that provides a smooth and comfortable typing experience without creating too much noise, the Akko Fairy linear switch might be the ideal choice for you. Its medium weight, muted sound, polished feel, and factory-lubrication make it suitable for extended use in a professional setting. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a unique feel that doesn't require a bottom out force, the Outemu Purple tactile switch could be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience, sound level, and intended usage of the keyboard.
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