Akko Fairy vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options are the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Tomcat. The Akko Fairy switch stands out for its factory-applied lubrication, providing a significantly smoother typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments where minimal noise and comfort during prolonged use are key. With a medium weight, this switch delivers a satisfying tactile feedback without inducing fatigue, making it well-suited for daily professional tasks. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is characterized by its Ly stems, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth feel and a distinct resonant sound profile. This combination can appeal to those who seek a more dynamic auditory experience while typing. While both switches offer unique advantages, they cater to different preferences—whether prioritizing a muted, subtle sound for a quieter workspace with the Fairy or opting for the engaging sound dynamics of the Tomcat. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and Bsun Tomcat switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, significantly influencing their sound profiles. The Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its softness and sound-absorbing properties, which results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic dampens vibrations, creating a sound that is rounder and less sharp. In contrast, the Tomcat relies on polycarbonate for its top housing, a much stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Its design is particularly suited for RGB lighting aesthetics, emitting a brighter and crisper sound profile. Thus, while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, the tonal qualities differ markedly due to the inherent properties of nylon and polycarbonate.
When considering the bottom housings of both switches, they share a commonality, as both the Fairy and the Tomcat utilize nylon for this component. This uniformity contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. As nylon is known for its soft qualities, it plays a significant role in dampening sound, ensuring that the bottom-out feel remains rounded and lush. Consequently, the similarities in the bottom housing create a cohesive typing experience in both switches, mitigating the sharper sound introduced by the Tomcat's polycarbonate top. Users can, therefore, expect a well-rounded auditory experience from both switches due to their unified bottom housing.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Bsun Tomcat highlight how material choice influences the sound profile of switches. While the Fairy's nylon top promotes a soft and mellow auditory experience, the Tomcat's polycarbonate top brings sharpness and clarity. However, their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall typing feel across both switches, balancing the sound profiles and enhancing user satisfaction. This blend of contrasting and similar materials allows users to appreciate the unique aspects of each switch while still enjoying the familiar depth provided by the nylon components.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom-out force. The Fairy switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Tomcat features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference indicates that the Tomcat switch is easier to press down, making it a preferable choice for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. While both switches have a similar feel, with the Fairy providing a more substantial push due to its heavier forces, users seeking a softer experience would likely lean towards the Tomcat. Overall, those who appreciate a firmer feel might opt for the Fairy, while those favoring ease of keystrokes may find the Tomcat more suited to their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Akko Fairy the shorter option, favored by gamers who appreciate quicker response times due to the reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat offers a longer travel distance that may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel when actuating a key, as it provides a greater depth that some find more satisfying compared to shorter options. Overall, if you lean toward snappy feedback and speed, the Akko Fairy could be your best choice, while the Bsun Tomcat suits those who enjoy a more substantial 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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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 switch is designed for a quieter and more subdued typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments where noise levels matter. The muted nature of the Fairy switch minimizes the clack typically associated with mechanical keyboards, while its neutral sound profile ensures versatility for both beginners and advanced users alike. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which likely offers a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Fairy. While the exact qualities of the Tomcat's sound are not fully detailed, it can be inferred that the sound output may be more noticeable and potentially more satisfying for those who appreciate a richer auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Fairy switch excels with its polished and refined finish, providing smooth key travel that is enhanced by its factory-applied lubrication. This results in reduced friction, making it easy and comfortable for prolonged typing sessions without inducing fatigue. The Fairy switch’s mild and subtle touch makes it accessible and inviting for users of all experience levels. Conversely, the feel of the Tomcat switch is not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the smooth and gentle typing experience offered by the Fairy. However, if the Tomcat's super-smooth Ly stems are any indication, it may also provide a satisfying tactile sensation, though the specifics remain unknown.
In summary, both the Akko Fairy and Bsun Tomcat switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Fairy switches prioritize a muted sound profile and a polished, gentle feel, making them ideal for office use and prolonged typing tasks. The Tomcat switches, while unquantified in terms of feel, boast a resonant sound that might appeal to those seeking a richer auditory feedback. Depending on individual priorities—whether it's a smooth and quiet typing experience with the Fairy or a potentially vibrant sound from the Tomcat—users can find satisfaction in either choice, keeping in mind that factors like keyboard type and keycap material will also influence performance traits.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and the setting in which you'll be using them. If you work in an office environment or a shared space where noise can be a concern, the Akko Fairy is a great choice. Its medium weight and refined factory lubrication ensure a smooth, polished feel, making it comfortable for long hours of typing while producing a muted sound that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter, more tactile experience with an emphasis on a resonant sound profile, the Bsun Tomcat switch may be more appealing. Its medium-light bottom-out force allows for a very light touch, making it ideal for faster typing or gaming while providing a satisfying acoustic feedback. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the environment where you'll be using the keyboard, as both switches excel in their respective contexts.
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