Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Fairy switches are ideal for office settings due to their smooth typing experience, factory-applied lubrication, and medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making them perfect for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, appealing to users who seek both satisfaction and silence. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey, we find that the Fairy features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Silent Grey boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic makeup. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey's top housing also lends itself well to RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a visually vibrant experience. While both switches have unique characteristics in their top housing material, they cater to different preferences in sound profile and aesthetics.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Fairy and the Silent Grey opt for nylon. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound sensation. By utilizing nylon in the bottom housing, both switches ensure a consistent typing experience that emphasizes a softer and more absorbent sound profile. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Fairy and Silent Grey underscores their commitment to delivering a satisfying typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent Grey plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced by users. While the Fairy's nylon top housing offers a softer and deeper sound profile, the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound experience. On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing feel that emphasizes a fuller and more absorbent sound. Whether opting for a switch with a nylon or polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a nuanced and immersive typing experience tailored to their sound preferences.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 50 grams, making them light switches that are easy to type on for extended periods of time. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams of force, while the Silent Grey needs 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the Fairy provides a more consistent typing experience, as the difference between actuation and bottom out force is minimal, while the Silent Grey offers a more substantial typing feel with a noticeable difference between the two forces. In terms of weight, the Fairy can be considered lighter compared to the Silent Grey, making it a great choice for those prioritizing long typing sessions, while the Silent Grey is more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, but the slight variation in bottom out force sets them apart in terms of feel and feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Akko Fairy has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent Grey. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and tactile key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer different travel distances, so users can choose based on their individual needs and preferences.
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 Silent Grey 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, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This is ideal for office settings or shared spaces where a quieter environment is preferred. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, allowing for a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. Depending on the board and keycaps used, both switches can provide a similar level of sound dampening, catering to those who value a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished and refined typing experience due to its factory-applied lubrication. The smooth key travel and reduced friction make typing comfortable and pleasant, particularly for extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump for precise actuation. The smooth keystrokes contribute to a satisfying feel while typing, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy tactile switches. Both switches offer qualities that appeal to different preferences, providing users with options based on their typing style and comfort preferences.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Fairy switch focuses on providing a muted sound and a polished typing experience, ideal for office settings and extended use. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch emphasizes quiet operation and tactile feedback, appealing to those who seek a satisfying and silent typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and requirements, both switches offer unique benefits that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a medium actuation force, perfect for office tasks and prolonged use, the Fairy switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for satisfying keystrokes without disturbing others, then the Silent Grey switch might be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique advantages, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
