Akko Fairy vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two compelling options for enthusiasts and casual typists alike, particularly in the realm of linear switches. The Akko Fairy is celebrated for its factory-applied lubrication, which delivers a remarkably smooth typing experience, making it perfect for office environments where a quieter setup is essential. With a medium weight that balances resistance and comfort, the Fairy allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, catering to the demands of daily professional tasks. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch, featuring Ly stems, stands out for its super smooth operation and distinctive resonant sound profile, enhancing the tactile experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While the Fairy excels in providing a muted and polished feel suitable for quieter settings, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more pronounced acoustic presence that some users may find invigorating. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each showcase distinct materials in their switch housings, creating different auditory experiences for users. The Fairy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound well, giving it a duller and rounder acoustic quality. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This difference in materials can lead to significantly varied typing experiences, with the Fairy providing a warmer sound while the Tomcat offers a clearer resonance, particularly beneficial for RGB setups where the translucence of polycarbonate can enhance visual effects.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Fairy and the Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon, which aligns them in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback for that specific component. With nylon's softer nature, both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, regardless of the differences noted in the top housings. This consistency in the bottom housing material means that users will encounter a similar sensation and acoustic response when pressing down on either switch, favoring a rounder sound during the actuation, though the overall sound experience will still diverge due to the contrasting top materials.
In essence, even though the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) have different top housing materials that influence their sound profiles, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a unified experience when it comes to the feel and bottom-out sound. This duality illustrates how the combination of different materials can create a complex interplay in keyboard design. Thus, while the tonal characteristics may vary significantly due to the top housing, the fundamental tactile experience and acoustic quality during key presses remain similar due to the nylon bottom in both switches.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Akko Fairy features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it relatively lighter and more suited for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference means that users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Tomcat, while those seeking a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Fairy. Overall, the Fairy is the lighter switch, allowing for a more relaxed typing experience, whereas the Tomcat provides a firmer resistance that can enhance the tactile feedback for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Akko Fairy is the shorter option, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who value quicker actuation times. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a heftier feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference—whether the user favors a snappier response or a deeper, more pronounced 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 (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Fairy switches produce a muted and neutral sound profile. This makes them an excellent choice for office environments, where a quieter atmosphere is often essential. Their design minimizes the typical clacks associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a more subdued typing experience that is considerate of those around you. The neutrality of the sound also ensures versatility, accommodating various use cases from professional to casual typing. Conversely, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch lean more towards a resonant quality, although specifics about its sound profile remain unknown. Therefore, while both switches can offer a pleasant auditory experience, the Fairy is notably more suited for noise-sensitive environments.
Feel-wise, the Akko Fairy switches excel with a polished, mild, and subtle design that promotes an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to the factory-applied lubrication and the balanced resistance they provide, which prevents fatigue during long typing sessions. The gentle resistance makes the switches accessible to both beginners and seasoned users, ensuring comfort regardless of typing speed or style. In contrast, no specifics are provided regarding the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches, which means it is difficult to make direct comparisons in this category.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switches offer a muted sound profile and a beautifully polished feel, making them a superb option for those who prioritize both auditory discretion and tactile comfort, especially in shared workspaces. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches, while potentially resonant, lack detailed characteristics regarding sound and feel. Thus, for those deciding between the two, the Fairy switches are likely to provide a more consistent and comfortable experience, especially in environments where noise control and a gentle typing touch are paramount.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself in an office setting or frequently typing for long periods, the Akko Fairy is an excellent option due to its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and factory-applied lubrication, which ensures a smooth, polished feel. This makes the Fairy not only comfortable but also quieter, thanks to its muted sound profile, allowing you to work efficiently without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that delivers more resistance with a bottom-out force of 64 grams, and you enjoy a more pronounced sound profile when typing, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) could be the better choice. Its Ly stems provide a super smooth typing experience that appeals to those who value feedback and resonance. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a muted, subtle feel conducive to professional environments or a heavier, more resonant experience that might be more suited to gaming or personal use.
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