Akko Fairy vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy and Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy switch stands out for its refined lubrication, making it an excellent choice for office settings due to its smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, ideal for extended use. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its premium quality crafted from POM material, delivering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force at a more accessible price point. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Dareu Sky POM both offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. The Fairy features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound compared to traditional harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sky POM utilizes POM for its top housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum with a relatively more muted tone. While they both provide a similar overall effect of enhancing sound quality, the specific nuances of the sound produced differ between the two materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Fairy and Sky POM opt for nylon as the material of choice. This decision reinforces the emphasis on a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches are enhanced by the nylon bottom housings in both keyboards. While the top and bottom housings may vary between the two models, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent enhanced sound quality and typing experience across both keyboards.
Overall, the varying housing materials used in the Akko Fairy and Dareu Sky POM switches contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The combination of nylon and POM in the top housings of the Fairy and Sky POM, respectively, offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences. Additionally, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housings in both keyboards ensures a common foundation for a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite these differences, both keyboards benefit from the sound-enhancing properties of their chosen housing materials, providing users with an enhanced typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Fairy is the heavier switch with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sky POM is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Fairy provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM's lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prioritize extended typing sessions without fatigue. Despite their differences in weight, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the force required. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy and Dareu Sky POM depends on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Fairy provides a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some may find more satisfying for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your 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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 offers a muted and neutral typing experience, making it a great option for those seeking a quieter workspace without sacrificing on performance. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with exceptionally smooth key travel. While both switches prioritize smoothness in their design, the Fairy switch leans towards a more refined and comfortable typing experience, while the Sky POM switch focuses on a buttery and luxurious feel.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Fairy switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for office environments, while the Sky POM switch offers a premium feel at an accessible price point with its smooth and buttery key response. Depending on whether you prioritize a muted sound profile and a refined feel or a low-pitched sound with a luxurious typing sensation, both switches offer excellent options for different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a switch that offers a refined and comfortable typing experience, especially for office settings, then the Akko Fairy switch with its medium weight and muted sound profile would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a buttery feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch made from POM material would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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