Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Fairy both stand out for their unique qualities. The Aqua King offers a frictionless typing experience akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice, while the Fairy switches are praised for their refined lubrication and comfortable medium weight. The Aqua King is best suited for those seeking a smooth and polished typing experience, thanks to its subtle and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Fairy switches are ideal for office settings, providing a muted and subtle typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. 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
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Fairy, one major difference lies in their housing materials. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Aqua King (V3) once again uses polycarbonate, leading to the same sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile as the top housing. The Fairy, however, opts for a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is consistent with its top housing material. The split between housing materials allows for different sound and feel experiences when pressing down on the switch compared to when releasing a key, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound during key release.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Fairy may differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their polycarbonate or nylon components. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with the Aqua King (V3) or a deeper and fuller sound with the Akko Fairy, each switch provides distinct typing experiences that cater to individual preferences. Despite their differences, both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King requires a heavier 62 grams compared to the Fairy's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. While the Aqua King requires a lighter initial press, it requires a heavier force to bottom out compared to the Fairy. Depending on individual preferences, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Aqua King for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Fairy for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Fairy's 3.3 mm. The Aqua King's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper press that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience, while the Fairy's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a deeper or shallower key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch is characterized by a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for office settings. Both switches aim to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, with the Aqua King leaning towards a more understated sound and the Fairy offering a more neutral and moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch provides a typing experience that is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, making typing effortless with minimal resistance or friction. Similarly, the Akko Fairy linear switch is also noted for its polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Fairy switch is further described as mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a light typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Overall, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Akko Fairy linear switches offer different sound profiles and slight variations in typing feel, both switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The Aqua King excels in providing a nearly frictionless sensation reminiscent of gliding, while the Fairy switch is designed for an office environment with its balanced weight and factory-applied lubrication. Depending on personal preferences and specific use cases, users can expect both switches to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you enjoy a frictionless and smooth typing experience that feels like gliding on ice, the Aqua King (V3) may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience for office tasks, the Fairy switch from Akko with its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight may be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch, with the Aqua King (V3) offering a more subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, while the Fairy switch has a muted sound and a polished, mild feel. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and environment for an optimal typing experience.
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