Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth typing experience enhanced by factory-applied lubrication, making it an excellent choice for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch is perfect for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White also a linear switch, offers a silent typing experience and is categorized as being silent. Overall, while the Akko Fairy is ideal for everyday professional tasks, the Outemu Silent White provides a quiet and unobtrusive 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent White switches are quite different, with the Fairy featuring nylon top and bottom housings, while the Silent White has a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Fairy creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency which is ideal for RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Silent White switches feature nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softness of the nylon absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound as compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users of both switches can expect a familiar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon contributing to a softer and more absorbent typing experience.
The differences between the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent White switches highlight how the choice of material can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While the nylon top and bottom housings of the Fairy create a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White leads to a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a similar soft and absorbent typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both have medium bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the Akko Fairy switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silent White's 45 grams. This means that the Akko Fairy switch may provide a bit more resistance when triggering a keystroke. For those who like a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Consequently, the travel distance is consistent across both switches, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch is used. Overall, the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silent White linear switches offer the same level of comfort and responsiveness due to their identical travel distances.
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 White 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, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, but the Fairy switch is specifically designed to minimize noise, making it a preferred option for those working in shared spaces or office environments.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. The smooth finish and reduced friction of the Fairy switch make typing on it a sleek and comfortable experience, suitable for extended use. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent White switch's feel characteristics remain unknown. Despite the lack of information on the Silent White switch, both options are likely to offer a smooth and gentle typing experience, making them suitable for users who value comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silent White switch provide users with a refined and comfortable typing experience. The Fairy switch excels in offering a muted sound profile and a polished feel, making it an excellent choice for office settings and those who prioritize a quiet workspace. While the sound and feel characteristics of the Silent White switch are unknown, based on the available information, users can expect a similar level of comfort and satisfaction from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and specific needs in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be your ideal choice if you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience in an office setting. With its factory-applied lubrication, medium weight, and muted sound profile, the Fairy switch strikes a perfect balance between performance and quiet operation, making it perfect for professional environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize silence above all else, the Outemu Silent White linear switch might be the better option for you due to its lack of descriptors for sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you value a refined typing experience with a touch of elegance (Akko Fairy) or a whisper-quiet operation (Outemu Silent White).
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