Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Akko Fairy is praised for its factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth typing experience ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch offers a quiet and comfortable typing experience for extended use. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch lacks specific standout features but is known for its straightforward linear design. While the Fairy switch is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', the Silver switch does not have specific categorizations. When deciding between the two switches, the Fairy may be preferred for its professional setting suitability, while the Silver may be chosen for its simplicity and linear feel. 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
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
The Akko Fairy and Outemu Silver both feature nylon top housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, with its stiffer plastic leading to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Fairy and Silver utilize nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent between the two switches. However, the difference lies in the top housing material, with the Fairy's nylon top housing providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silver's polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can influence the overall sound signature of a switch.
Overall, while the Akko Fairy and Outemu Silver share similarities in their use of nylon bottom housings, the difference in their top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Fairy creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver produces a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound profiles allows users to choose switches that align with their preferences for typing experiences, whether they prefer a rounder sound with nylon or a more resonant sound with polycarbonate.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both fall under the category of medium actuation force, with the Fairy requiring 50 grams and the Silver needing 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy is lighter at 60 grams compared to the Silver which is heavier at 65 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar actuation experience, the Fairy will feel slightly lighter when bottoming out, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods where fatigue may become a concern. On the other hand, the Silver switch offers a more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and feel, with the Fairy being the lighter option and the Silver being the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Akko Fairy due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Silver with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Silver 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 quality, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for office settings or environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any specific sound characteristics provided, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its polished and refined typing experience, thanks to the factory-applied lubrication that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. The switch offers a mild and subtle resistance, providing a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for extended use. Conversely, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this regard. However, based on the lack of details provided, it's possible that the Outemu Silver switch may not offer the same level of smoothness and comfort as the Akko Fairy switch.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, making it a great choice for office environments or daily professional tasks. The switch's refined lubrication, medium weight, and muted sound profile all contribute to a pleasant typing feel that is conducive to productivity. While the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific information on sound and feel characteristics, it's likely that users may not achieve the same level of smoothness and comfort as with the Akko Fairy switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience ideal for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium weight and factory-applied lubrication may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a neutral sound profile and actuation force, the Outemu Silver switch could be a good option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your daily typing needs.
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