Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Tom offer distinct typing experiences. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is well-suited for office settings due to its factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, lacks a specific standout feature but offers a different typing feel compared to the Fairy. While the Fairy is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Tom is relatively undefined. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom switches provide contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition, creating a more clear and resonant sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles makes the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing crucial for users seeking specific auditory experiences.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Fairy and the Tom switches share the same nylon material, resulting in similar sound profiles. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the bottom housings of these switches contribute to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent tactile and auditory response when pressing down on keys, regardless of the switch they choose.
Overall, the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch impacts the typing experience in various ways. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when keys are released. This distinction highlights the importance of selecting the right housing material for individual preferences, as it can significantly alter the sound profile and overall typing experience. Whether choosing the Fairy with its nylon housing or the Tom with its polycarbonate housing, users can expect a unique tactile and auditory experience based on the switch's construction materials.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to the variance in weight. Lighter switches like the Akko Fairy may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to activate. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Tom may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys using either of these switches, users will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether using the Akko Fairy or the Outemu Tom, users can expect to feel a satisfying amount of key travel as they type.
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 Tom 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 and neutral characteristics. This means that the switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches while still maintaining a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, there is no information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. This translates to a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction, a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, and a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, there is no information provided about the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch.
Considering the available information, the Akko Fairy linear switch appears to be a suitable choice for those seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience in office settings. However, since there is no information on the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two. If tactile feedback is not a priority, opting for the Akko Fairy switch may lead to a similarly satisfying experience due to its smooth operation and gentle typing feel. Ultimately, personal preference and the specific requirements of the user should guide the decision-making process when selecting the most suitable mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should choose the Fairy if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with medium resistance, making it ideal for office settings where comfort and quietness are key. The Fairy's muted sound profile and polished feel contribute to a refined and ergonomic typing experience, which is well-suited for long hours of work. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a tactile feedback that the Tom switch offers, then it may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and intended usage.
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