Kailh Box Jade vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko Fairy. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Fairy switches from Akko are ideal for office settings, offering a smooth typing experience with factory-applied lubrication and a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the invigorating feel of the Box Jades and the subtlety of the Fairy switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Akko Fairy's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate housing is stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound, while the nylon housing is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder profile. Despite their differences, both housing materials offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences - from sharp and crisp to deep and full.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the Fairy utilize nylon, which elicits a deep and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. By incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, both switches provide a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback. Whether it's typing on the Box Jade or the Fairy, users can expect a similar depth and fullness in sound due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Jade and Akko Fairy differ in materials, they each play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Both switches offer a unique combination of materials to enhance the typing experience, with the Box Jade providing a sharper tone with its polycarbonate top housing and the Fairy delivering a deeper sound with its nylon top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch are quite similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing them in the medium range in terms of required force. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes and bottoming out regardless of which switch they choose. However, it's worth noting that some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Fairy has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the Box Jade offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Fairy, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches, making them suitable for those looking for a quicker typing experience.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks with tactile bumps reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office settings. While the Box Jade delivers a more pronounced and clicky sound, the Fairy switch ensures a more subtle and gentle typing noise, catering to different preferences depending on the desired sound level and environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Jade is characterized as accentuated and invigorating, offering a medium tactile bump with firm actuation force for an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle key press that is approachable to most users. While the Box Jade excels in providing a more tactile and invigorating typing feel, the Fairy switch focuses on delivering a smooth and comfortable typing experience with reduced friction and subtle feedback.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade excels in offering a clicky sound profile with crunchy tactile feedback, suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch provides a muted and polished sound with a mild and subtle typing feel, tailored to users seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience, particularly in office environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options offering unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. Their crisp clicks and tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, especially for office settings, the Akko Fairy linear switches would be more suitable. Their factory-applied lubrication ensures a smooth and comfortable typing experience, making them ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches would depend on your preferred typing style and the environment in which you'll be using them.
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