Akko Fairy vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct advantages tailored to different user needs. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is particularly well-suited for office environments where a refined and quiet typing experience is paramount. With a factory-applied lubrication that lends to a smooth feel and a medium weight that balances resistance and comfort, the Fairy ensures long hours of typing without fatigue. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who require both efficiency and a serene workspace. In contrast, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, boasts a unique bright and clacky sound signature along with silky smooth keystrokes, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness during their typing sessions. While both switches cater to comfort and performance, their characteristics are tailored to different preferences and settings. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Dash reveals both similarities and notable differences that influence the typing experience. The Akko Fairy utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounded auditory experience that many typists find desirable. In contrast, the WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, a much stiffer plastic that results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The clarity associated with polycarbonate not only enhances the auditory feedback but also makes it particularly well-suited for setups with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Akko Fairy and the WS Dash employ nylon, which again accentuates a similar acoustic quality. The nylon bottom housing contributes to this deeper and more resonant sound profile, ensuring a cohesive feel when depressing the keys. This matching material choice ensures that while the top sounds of the switches differ, both models will maintain a pleasant, rounded sound when bottoming out, owing to the nylon's ability to absorb sound. It is evident that this shared material in the bottom housing creates a consistent experience across both switches despite their differing top housing.
Ultimately, the unique combinations of housing materials in these switches yield distinct yet complementary results. The differing top housings affect the auditory feedback during key releases, with the Fairy’s nylon offering a more subdued tone while the WS Dash's polycarbonate provides a bright and defined sound when keys are released. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying, deep sound when struck. This interplay highlights how the materials used in mechanical switches can create varied auditory experiences while still allowing for shared characteristics that enhance user satisfaction across the different models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Fairy switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the WS Dash is lighter, featuring an actuation force of only 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference in actuation force means that the WS Dash will require less effort to fire a keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a lighter, less fatiguing experience during extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko Fairy provide a more substantial feedback and typing feel, which may appeal to users looking for a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the WS Dash is the better option, while the Fairy caters to those who like a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Fairy features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference makes the Akko Fairy the shorter option, allowing for potentially faster response times that are often favored by gamers who prefer quick keypresses. Conversely, the WS Dash, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more hearty depth in keypresses.
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 characterized by its muted and neutral profiles, making it an excellent choice for environments like offices where noise reduction is essential. The factory-applied lubrication further minimizes the sound associated with mechanical switches, resulting in a quieter typing experience that is unobtrusive, suitable for professional settings. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is known for its bright and clacky sound signature, offering a more engaging auditory experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a bolder acoustic response. The distinct sound quality of the WS Dash creates an exciting and lively atmosphere, although it may not be as suitable for shared workspaces as the quieter Fairy.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches deliver a polished and mild typing experience, with a smooth keystroke and reduced friction due to their refined construction and factory lubrication. They offer a subtle resistance that strikes a comfortable balance, making them approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The feedback is gentle and supportive, allowing for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, details about the feel of the WS Dash switches remain unspecified. However, their known characteristics suggest they may offer a unique typing sensation aligned with their clacky nature, which could contrast with the smoother, more subdued experience of the Fairy switches.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy switches excel in sound and feel for users prioritizing a quiet, comfortable, and polished experience, making them ideal for extended use in office environments. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches cater to those who appreciate an engaging auditory profile, albeit likely less suited for quieter settings. While the differences may cater to distinct preferences, the choice ultimately boils down to your environment and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a switch that is ideal for office environments, where a quiet and comfortable typing experience is essential, the Akko Fairy is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying yet gentle press that minimizes fatigue over long typing sessions while ensuring a muted sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, if you prefer a more dynamic and expressive typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch might be more to your liking. With its medium-light 55 grams of force, it offers a bright, clacky sound signature that can be enjoyable for both typing and gaming, making it a great option for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a tactile feel. Ultimately, if you prioritize a refined and professional environment, go with the Fairy; if you desire a more engaging and playful feel, the WS Dash will serve you well.
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