Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Fairy mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch, known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy is a linear switch, prized for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent option for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Fairy both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Bamboo Green uses PBT for both the top and bottom housing, providing a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Fairy utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, the choice between PBT and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
However, if we were to compare the top and bottom housing materials individually, the differences become more pronounced. The PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green may contribute more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the Fairy may create a duller and rounder sound upon keypress. On the other hand, the top housing material of each switch may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials shows how each component plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Fairy offer a quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the neutral sound profile of PBT in the Bamboo Green or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Fairy, both switches provide a satisfying feel with their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as each housing material brings its own unique characteristics to the typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, we see some key differences. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Fairy's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires a heavier force of 62 grams compared to the Fairy's 60 grams. This means that while the Bamboo Green offers a lighter initial typing experience, it requires a slightly heavier touch when pressing all the way down. Ultimately, both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, offering a balanced typing experience that can cater to a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Fairy switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Bamboo Green switch. The difference may not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Fairy switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more profound keypress may opt for the Bamboo Green switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, as both will provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant experience, producing a sharp and crisp sound while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, making it a quieter option that is suitable for office environments or shared spaces. The choice between these switches will heavily depend on your preference for sound characteristics, with the Bamboo Green being more lively and prominent, while the Fairy maintains a more subtle and toned-down approach.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bamboo Green provides a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience. This means that the switch has a two-stage tactile feel with a distinct feedback intensity and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Akko Fairy switch also offers a polished feel along with a mild and subtle typing experience. The Fairy switch strikes a balance between providing a comfortable typing feel without being too overwhelming, catering to those who prefer a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference for tactile feedback and key travel sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. The Bamboo Green provides a lively and sharp sound with a stepped and sharp tactile feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch offers a quieter and more subtle sound profile with a polished and mild tactile feel, making it well-suited for office settings and users who prefer a gentler typing experience. It is important to consider your sound and feel preferences when choosing between these switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Akko Fairy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a clacky sound signature, sharp tactile feedback, and a medium actuation force, the Bamboo Green may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience, factory-applied lubrication for smooth key presses, and a comfortable medium weight that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions, the Akko Fairy switches may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider your typing habits and environment when making your decision.
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