HMX Blue Topaz vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko Fairy offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz is lauded for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a breezy typing experience with a visually appealing glittery housing and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy is praised for its factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience suitable for office settings, with a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort for extended use. Both switches have their strengths, with the Blue Topaz being easy-to-press and clacky, while the Fairy is polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko Fairy play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials are classic choices for switch housing, they offer different auditory experiences to the user.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound quality. However, the difference lies in the top housing material, where the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Fairy's nylon offers a softer and more muffled sound.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch influences the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material have a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can shape the user experience in terms of sound feedback and tactile response. Whether it be the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz or the nylon top housing of the Fairy, each material brings its unique characteristics to the typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, we see a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Fairy has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Additionally, the Blue Topaz has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams compared to the Fairy's 60 grams, indicating that it requires less pressure to fully press the keys. This difference in forces results in a more delicate typing experience with the Blue Topaz and a more substantial feel with the Fairy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use, the Blue Topaz may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more pronounced feedback, the Fairy would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Fairy's 3.3 mm. The Blue Topaz offers a slightly more extended press from top to bottom, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Fairy provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking a quicker response time during intense gameplay. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing users with a crisp and bright noise that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted sound, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. Both switches provide unique auditory qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Topaz being more vibrant and percussive while the Fairy offers a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing users with a light and effortless typing feel. Conversely, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that is enhanced by the factory-applied lubrication. The Fairy switch also falls in the mild and subtle categories, ensuring a gentle typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. Both switches prioritize user comfort and satisfaction, albeit through slightly different approaches.
Overall, while the HMX Blue Topaz and Akko Fairy linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in providing users with a pleasurable typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky and light actuation of the Blue Topaz or the muted and polished feel of the Fairy, you can expect similar levels of quality and satisfaction from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a distinctive clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a factory-lubricated switch with a balanced medium weight for comfortable extended use in a quieter workspace, the Fairy switch from Akko might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize typing experience, sound, and comfort in your daily keyboard use.
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