Akko Fairy vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Durock Piano both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy is a linear switch best suited for office settings, boasting factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience and a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is also a linear switch that stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Fairy is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Piano is described as bassy, frictionless, and silky. Each switch has its own advantages, making them suitable for various typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Durock Piano switches both offer a deep and full sound profile, with the Fairy utilizing nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer and sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the exact details of the POM blend in the Piano switch are unspecified, but it is praised for providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the sound experience, the specific blend used in the Piano may offer a different sound characteristic compared to the Fairy's nylon material.
In terms of feel, the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Durock Piano switches also play a role in the tactile experience when typing. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. With the nylon bottom housing in the Fairy switch, users can expect a deep and full sound with a softer feel upon pressing the keys. Conversely, the POM blend bottom housing in the Piano switch may provide a different tactile sensation, contributing to a unique typing experience that complements the deep sound profile it offers.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko Fairy and Durock Piano switches, both aim to enhance the typing sound profile and feel for users. While the Fairy uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience, the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its top and bottom housing, offering a uniquely satisfying sound profile. Regardless of the specific material used, both switches prioritize creating a sound and feel that enhances the overall typing experience for users, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Fairy is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Piano's unknown actuation force. However, the Fairy has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Piano's 63.5 grams, making the Piano the heavier option between the two. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Fairy for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Durock Piano for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance on the Fairy switch provides a quicker response time, making it a preferred option for gamers looking for rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Piano switch offers a more substantial feel and depth to each keystroke, which may be more preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, quicker response or a longer, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound profile, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office settings. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch provides a bassy sound with a deep and rich tone during key presses, adding a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Fairy being more subdued and the Piano offering a more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, featuring a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and offers a gentle resistance for comfortable key presses. Conversely, the Durock Piano linear switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, characterized by extremely smooth and effortless key presses that minimize resistance and enhance overall smoothness. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Fairy leaning towards a more refined and balanced touch, while the Piano excels in providing a fluid and seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Fairy excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for office use, while the Piano stands out with its deep and creamy sound signature and frictionless, silky feel. Regardless of the choice between these two switches, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with similar results in terms of comfort and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the specific environment and typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium bottom out force suitable for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound signature and proprietary material blend, the Durock Piano switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a muted and polished typing experience with a balanced sound profile or a bassy and frictionless typing experience with a rich sound signature. Consider your personal preferences and typing needs to determine which switch aligns best with your requirements.
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