Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent Ocean both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is well-suited for office settings with its factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience. Its medium weight strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, making it ideal for extended daily use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean, also a linear switch, may appeal to those who prefer a quieter 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
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
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 Silent Ocean switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. While the Fairy's nylon bottom housing reinforces its deep and dull sound profile, the Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar sound experience to the Fairy.
The distinction between the housings of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent Ocean extends beyond just the sound produced. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean allows for a clear housing, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In comparison, the nylon top housing of the Fairy may not offer the same level of transparency for RGB lighting applications. However, both housings maintain the classic characteristics of their respective materials, providing users with a familiar typing experience that is deep and full.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profile and aesthetics. The nylon and polycarbonate housings bring unique qualities to each switch, whether it be a dull and round sound or a clear and resonant one. While the Fairy and Silent Ocean may differ in their top housing materials, the use of nylon in their bottom housings ensures a consistent typing experience that elicits a deep and full sound profile. Whether you value a sharper sound profile or the ability to customize with RGB lighting, both switches offer a reliable typing experience for enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Fairy requiring 50 grams and the Silent Ocean needing 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Fairy is lighter with 60 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Fairy due to its lower bottom out force, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Silent Ocean. Overall, both switches offer a similar actuation force but differ slightly in bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. The Fairy's 3.3 mm distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while the Silent Ocean's 4 mm distance provides a more substantial depth for those who prefer a more robust feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 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 typing experience, making it a great choice for quiet office environments where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have any specific descriptions related to sound available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch provides a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel, gentle resistance, and a refined finish. These qualities make it comfortable for extended use without causing fatigue, ideal for professional tasks that require long typing sessions. As for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, there is no specific information available regarding its tactile qualities, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and refined typing experience that is ideal for office environments, the Akko Fairy switch would be a suitable choice. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch are unknown, opting for the Akko Fairy switch would likely provide a similar level of comfort and satisfaction in both sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the typing environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience in an office setting, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium bottom out force, muted sound, and polished feel would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not concerned about sound levels, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what will enhance your overall typing experience and match your intended use case. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying feel of your mechanical keyboard switch selection!
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