Akko Fairy vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both of which are linear switches. The Akko Fairy stands out for its factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office settings where a quieter workspace is desired. Its medium weight strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making it suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience, coupled with a heavier actuation force for a substantial typing feel. While the Fairy offers a polished and muted typing experience, the WS Red delivers a more intense and satisfying keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Red are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the shared nylon material used in their housing.
However, while both switches share the same nylon material for their top and bottom housing, the impact of each housing material may differ slightly. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing may have more of an impact on the sound produced when the key is released. This slight difference in distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housing of a switch may result in slightly varied typing experiences between the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Red.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Red ensures a consistent and reliable typing experience for users. The deeper and fuller sound profile elicited by typing on switches with nylon housing is a desirable characteristic that both switches offer. While there may be subtle differences in the distribution of sound and feel between the top and bottom housing, the overall typing experience is likely to be quite similar between these two switches due to their shared use of nylon as the housing material.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have some differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch in terms of force. On the other hand, the WS Red has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Akko Fairy is lighter compared to the WS Red. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Akko Fairy for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the WS Red for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. When it comes to typing or gaming preferences, a shorter travel distance like the one offered by the Fairy may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more deliberate keypress may find the longer travel distance of the WS Red more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience each individual is looking for.
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 Red comes in at $3.50 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
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch is best suited for those looking for a more muted sound profile and a polished, smooth typing experience. The factory lubrication ensures a comfortable and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or those who prefer a more subtle switch feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a bouncier and more responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, providing a satisfying and substantial feel with a classic sound signature. Both switches excel in different areas, with the Fairy focusing on comfort and quietness, while the WS Red emphasizes responsiveness and tactile feedback. However, if you are looking for a similar balanced experience, either switch would provide a satisfactory result, depending on your specific preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your specific preferences and use case scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium bottom out force and refined lubrication may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke, the WS Red switch with its 22mm double-stage spring could be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make your decision based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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