Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth typing experience perfect for office settings. With factory-applied lubrication, these switches provide a refined feel and medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, offers a different tactile experience without a specific standout feature. While the Fairy is ideal for a quieter workspace, the Spring Breeze provides audible feedback with each key press. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
Both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is appreciated by many keyboard enthusiasts. The similarities in housing materials between the two switches suggest that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of design, while both the Fairy and the Spring Breeze feature nylon as their housing material, they may differ in other aspects such as shape, size, or additional features. The design of the housing can impact the overall feel and sound of the switch, with differences in housing shape potentially affecting the typing experience. It is important to consider not just the housing material, but also the overall design of the switch when making a decision between the two.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Spring Breeze may come down to personal preference and desired typing experience. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon housing material, but other design factors may influence the overall feel and sound of the switch. Whether one switch stands out over the other will depend on individual preferences and what qualities the user values most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it becomes evident that the Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Fairy's 50 grams, making it more sensitive to touch. However, when looking at the bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams to fully press down, which is heavier than the Spring Breeze's 55 grams. This makes the Fairy switch provide a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, while the Spring Breeze allows for a lighter and easier typing experience. Both switches provide a medium to medium-light feel, catering to different preferences based on the desired typing experience. Ultimately, individuals looking for a softer touch may prefer the Outemu Spring Breeze, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Akko Fairy.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. A 3.3 mm travel distance is on the shorter end of the spectrum, providing a more responsive feel, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, a 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feeling when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired. Both switches will provide reliable performance, but the Akko Fairy linear switch will offer a slightly shorter travel distance than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch.
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 Spring Breeze 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 is often preferred for its muted and neutral characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, but it can be assumed to be louder and more audible due to its clicky mechanism. Both switches may produce different sound profiles depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction from factory lubrication. This results in a comfortable and refined typing feel that is gentle and approachable to most users. The feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, but it can be speculated to have a more tactile and pronounced typing feel compared to the Fairy linear switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience for office use, the Akko Fairy linear switch may be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch could be an exciting option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should choose the Fairy if you value a smooth, quiet typing experience in an office setting. With its medium weight and muted sound, the Fairy switch is designed for long hours of comfortable typing without causing fatigue or disrupting your workspace. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy the clicky feedback, the Spring Breeze is a suitable choice with its medium-light bottom out force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound level, and work environment to ensure maximum satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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