Akko Fairy vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red Panda are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Fairy is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making it ideal for office settings and extended use. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch that provides a light-medium amount of tactility, along with distinct bottom-out and top-out sounds, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more pronounced 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red Panda, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is consistent across both switches. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Fairy features a nylon material while the Red Panda uses polycarbonate. The polycarbonate material of the Red Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Fairy's nylon top housing. Additionally, the Red Panda's clear polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting, making it a more visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics.
While both the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red Panda share nylon as the material for their bottom housing, they diverge in their choice of top housing material. The nylon top housing of the Fairy provides a duller and rounder sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. This distinction is more apparent in the sound produced when pressing down on the switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing material becomes more noticeable when releasing a key, showcasing the differences in sound profiles between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Akko Fairy and the Outemu Red Panda greatly impacts the sound and feel of typing experience. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Fairy creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers a duller, rounder sound or a sharper, higher-pitched sound can be a significant factor in choosing between these switches. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch with the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke and fully press down on the key. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of these switches, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a similar level of travel before bottoming out. The consistency in travel distance between the two switches ensures that typing or gaming experiences will be comparable in terms of keypress feel. Therefore, whether using the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, users can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 known for its muted and neutral sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a thocky sound with a deep and satisfying tone that resonates with each keypress. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Fairy being more subtle and neutral, while the Red Panda offers a more pronounced and bassier sound.
In regards to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. Similarly, the Outemu Red Panda switch also provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, covering a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Both switches strive to create a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key travel, making them suitable for various typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Fairy switch is geared towards a quieter and more refined typing experience suitable for office settings, while the Red Panda switch offers a more pronounced and satisfying sound with a light-medium amount of tactility. Whether you prefer a muted and neutral sound with a polished and mild feel, or a thocky sound with a subtle and approachable typing experience, both switches provide reliable options that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should choose the Fairy if you value a smooth and refined typing experience with a balanced weight for extended use, making it ideal for office settings. The Fairy is also a great option for those who prefer a muted and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, you should opt for the Red Panda if you enjoy a light-medium tactility and prefer a thocky, bassier bottom-out sound with a clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda is also a good choice for those who appreciate a mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use case.
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