Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Outemu Red both offer a linear typing experience, but with distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy is praised for its factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are perfect for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch offers a linear feel without any specific standout features. While the Fairy switch is polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle in its characteristics, the Red switch does not fall under any specific category. Both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different 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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red, we see that they both have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on either switch, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Fairy features a nylon top housing, while the Red boasts a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast leads to the Fairy producing a softer and deeper sound profile, while the Red offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, they elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that the typing feel and sound produced by these switches are consistent, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. So, while they may offer distinct sound profiles when it comes to their top housing, the bottom housing material provides a common factor in their overall typing experience.
The impact of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch is evident when considering the feel and sound when typing. The bottom housing of a switch, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, influencing the crispness and resonance of the sound profile. By balancing the qualities of the top and bottom housings, switches like the Akko Fairy and Outemu Red offer a unique typing experience that combines the characteristics of both materials for a harmonious result.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Fairy requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Red switch is lighter to actuate but slightly heavier to bottom out compared to the Fairy switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, the Red switch may be the preferred choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback when typing, the Fairy switch may offer a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Fairy switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Red switch. A shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance might feel more substantial and satisfying for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider what works best for your individual needs.
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 Red 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 stands out for its muted and neutral qualities, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office environments and shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, with a smooth and refined feel that is comfortable for extended use. The lightweight resistance of the switch ensures a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. As for the Outemu Red linear switch, there is no information available regarding its tactile characteristics, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch appears to excel in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for professional settings, while the qualities of the Outemu Red linear switch remain unknown. In situations where the two switches may exhibit similar characteristics, such as if the Outemu Red also offers a neutral sound profile and a medium-weight feel, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy and Outemu Red switches would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the specific environment and usage you have in mind. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a balanced medium weight that is suitable for office settings and extended use, the Akko Fairy switch with its muted and polished characteristics may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a straightforward linear switch with a similar bottom out force but without specific sound and feel preferences, the Outemu Red switch could be a practical option. Ultimately, understanding your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and usage context will guide you towards the most suitable mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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