Though it's marketed for external clitoral use, I think this vibe could be used by anyone who enjoys varied and intense vibrations. It fits nicely into the hand, and the silky silicone feels amazing on every part of the body. I started by using it to stimulate my nipples, neck, and inner thighs, and it worked really fantastically to build up excitement and tease me. When used to stimulate my vulva, it was fantastic! I enjoyed starting with a steady low vibration and then exploring all 12 (yes TWELVE) patterns it had. The intensity levels were awesome, with the lowest a barely-there little hum and the highest a climactic, rumbly stimulation. This toy would be great for both those who enjoy mild vibrations and those who love to go all out with rollercoaster sensations! I imagine it would also feel very nice if used on the penis, scrotum, perineum, and anal areas. It is suitable for internal vaginal use, if you're OK with firm toys with girth, but NOT for internal anal use.

After years of having an outdated, ugly rubber vibe, this little gem is a life saver! It's also extremely quiet, especially in comparison with other vibes of this intensity, which means I can take it with me anywhere I'm staying and enjoy myself without interruption.

Made of a delightfully silky silicone, the Ako was amazingly comfortable and approachable in texture. I've had silicone toys before, and most of them have had a bit of drag to them or attract lint easily. Not so with the Ako; it's the softest, gentlest silicone I've ever felt on a toy. I wish the entire toy was in silicone, but the hard plastic battery compartment/handle is easier to grip than a silicone one would be. This toy's texture is great for beginners (I actually recommended it to a former roommate for her first toy), and it's also a divine sensation for more advanced users.

The silicone used was very high grade, and there was no unpleasant smell or taste at all. This material is non-porous and body safe. It can be sterilized by rinsing with a 10% bleach solution or washing it in the dishwasher (with cap completely closed and batteries removed), though you cannot boil the Ako because it would kill the motor. Use only water-based lube to avoid degrading the silicone.

I really love the gentle curve of the Ako, and the shape is very comfortable and inviting. I'm a chubby kid, so I have a little extra padding around my vulva, but the Ako reached all the right spots and was very comfortable for me. I did some chores with it between my legs, and it didn't wiggle around or become uncomfortable. It is quite firm, so you might want to avoid pressing against it too hard, but I'm a pillow-humper and it was great for my masturbation style, as well as for stimulation in various positions during sex.

The Ako is welcoming to beginners while also offering great style and comfort for the advanced user. It's travel sized, and while it doesn't look like a giant purple dick, it still might be identified as a sex toy by airport security. But it's not big or goofy-looking enough to elicit much embarrassment (at least for me, but I have no shame). It would fit nicely into a handbag or backpack, and it's easy to hide in a pillowcase or desk drawer. Really it's just perfect for all travel needs, living arrangements, and lifestyles.

The Ako has 12 functions and somewhere upwards of 9 speeds (it's hard to distinguish them from each other; it increases in a smooth spectrum from soft to intense). The functions include steady vibrations, pulsating vibes in 4-5 speeds, rolling waves in 3-4 speeds, a low rumble with 3 or 5 'bumps' at the end, and (my personal favorite) a 'random' setting. The random isn't truly random, it does have a set pattern, but it's quite long so you lose focus before it repeats. It was a surprise every time I used it, and when you turn it up all the way it sounds like it's singing to you, which just amuses me to no end.

The controls are pretty easy to use; my only complaint is that you have to cycle through all of the modes to get to the one you want, and if you miss it you have to start over. But it's worth it, honestly, and once you get going it's not too bad. The three buttons are somewhat raised, but they might be difficult for someone with arthritis or other disabilities to press firmly enough. They are embossed with a + and - sign which means you can operate by touch, and the middle one has an M for 'mode' I'm guessing. You press and hold + to turn it on, and then press and hold - to turn it off. Pretty intuitive once you play around with it.

On the lowest settings, it's difficult to hear it even if you're the one using it. On the highest settings, someone in the same room could definitely hear it, but if you have nicely insulated walls you should be safe. There are plenty of settings in-between, so I think it's possible to find a nice medium of quietness and intensity if you're in a not-so-private situation.

The Ako is waterproof as long as the battery compartment is totally shut, and it wasn't affected by being under water, though I haven't fully tested it with a bathtub masturbation session. I imagine it would be quite lovely, though, and I see no reason that it would be affected by the water if properly used.

It uses two AAA batteries, so if the store is closed you can always steal them from the remote or something. I've used it about 10 times in the last few days, and the vibrations haven't gotten any less intense. I think it will be pretty economical with its battery power, though the info pamphlet does warn that using rechargeable batteries will result in lower quality vibrations.

Being high quality silicone and hard plastic, the Ako is relatively easy to clean. Since I'm not sharing with anyone, I just wash mine with soap and water. The engraved logo and button labels do tend to collect soap scum or bodily fluids, so I just take a wet cotton swab and poke around until those are clean. It can be sanitized by washing with a 10% bleach solution or being put in the dishwasher (make sure batteries are removed and compartment is closed). The Ako cannot be boiled because of its electronic components. I pat mine dry with a lint-free cloth and store it in a cloth bag/wrapped in a scarf to keep the dirt off and to keep it from getting scratched in its drawer. Do not store touching other silicone toys, and only use water-based lube in order to avoid damaging the material.

The packaging was a simple cardboard box with plastic frame. It would be fine for a gift box, but I didn't think it was sturdy enough for storage. A small pamphlet about warranty and care is included in the package, as well as a cute little dangling charm that has the company logo on it. There's a place to attach it on the end of the toy, or you could use it as a cellphone charm if you're an unabashed sex-toy fan like myself. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't a guide to the vibration settings, but I had fun figuring them out and writing them down myself.

I don't know how many times I can say it. This. Toy. Is. Awesome. If you enjoy vibration of any kind, if you're curious and want to buy your first toy, or if you (like me) have lusted after luxury vibes but simply don't have the financial resources for them: GET THIS TOY! It's a little on the high end of budget toys, but if you can catch it on sale and use your points you can get a really great deal. Or, just keep pushing it for your birthday.

So far I've used the Ako for masturbation, entertainment while doing chores, a personal massager, and during intercourse. In all cases, it has exceeded my expectations. I really hope to keep loving this toy for a long, long time, and I'm very thankful for EdenFantasys's great reviews and safety guidelines that helped me find the perfect vibrator to replace my ugly 90's dinosaur.