Akko Fairy vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy's linear switch and the Durock White Lotus's tactile switch offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Akko Fairy switches are perfect for office settings, boasting factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, ideal for extended use. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches provide a light tactile feedback, making them a great option for those who prefer a delicate tactility while still enjoying a vibrant RGB lighting effect. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Durock White Lotus switches both offer a unique typing experience with their top and bottom housing made of different materials. The Fairy features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a premium and unique feel. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akko Fairy and Durock White Lotus switches use nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. The similarity in bottom housing materials between the two switches ensures a consistent typing experience for those who value sound feedback during use.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing is more influential in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housing, manufacturers like Akko and Durock are able to offer users a dynamic typing experience that caters to their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. The Fairy requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the White Lotus needs 46 grams to actuate and 56 grams to bottom out. This makes the Fairy slightly heavier in terms of force required for both actions. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the White Lotus is considered medium-light compared to the Fairy. The Fairy would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the White Lotus would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Overall, the choice between the two switches would 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 White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the White Lotus has a longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. The 4.0mm distance of the White Lotus falls within the more traditional range, while the Fairy's 3.3mm travel distance is on the shorter side. Gamers might prefer the Fairy for its shorter travel distance, providing faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress might opt for the White Lotus with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted profile, producing a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to other switches, adding a unique auditory experience to your typing sessions. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and user preferences. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard setup will also play a role in how the sound is perceived.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and enhances key travel. It has a mild and subtle resistance, providing a comfortable typing feel without being too tiring on the fingers. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches have a mild and subtle feel, making them approachable to most users and suitable for extended use.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switch provides a quieter and polished typing experience, making it suitable for office environments and daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a more tactile and easy-to-press feel, enhancing the typing experience with its light actuation force. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Akko Fairy linear switch versus the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, your choice should be based on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a medium bottom out force and muted sound profile, the Fairy switch from Akko is the ideal option for a quiet office setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility with a lighter bottom out force and low-pitched sound profile, the White Lotus switch from Durock is perfect for extended typing sessions and vibrant RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, choose the Akko Fairy for a refined and balanced typing experience, or opt for the Durock White Lotus for a luxurious feel with luminous aesthetics. The decision between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal typing style and environment.
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