Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Fairy switches. The Box Royal is known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it a top choice for those seeking an aggressive tactile experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are renowned for their office-friendly nature, featuring factory-applied lubrication for smooth typing and a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. While the Box Royal offers intense tactility, the Fairy provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Fairy, both made of nylon, share similarities in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. As a result, typing on switches using either of these materials will result in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches contributes to their overall sound and feel, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a tactile typing experience.
While the nylon top housings of the Box Royal and the Fairy are similar in their ability to absorb sound and produce a more rounded sound profile, the difference may lie in their bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel when a key is pressed down. With the softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing, both switches likely offer a smooth and slightly dampened typing experience, allowing for a quieter and more comfortable typing session. This similarity in housing materials may result in a consistent typing experience across both switches.
In terms of construction, the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Fairy both benefit from the use of nylon housing materials. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb sound and create a more pleasing tactile feedback for typists. While the top and bottom housings of these switches may differ depending on the specific model, the qualities brought by nylon remain consistent across both switches. Overall, the incorporation of nylon in the housing materials of these switches enhances the typing experience by providing a deeper sound profile and a comfortable feel, making them attractive options for those seeking a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Box Royal has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the Fairy has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams. The Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Fairy offers a lighter actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. Both switches offer a medium weight in terms of actuation and bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal has a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm compared to the Fairy's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Box Royal being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Fairy with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, creating a crisp and distinct noise with each keypress. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as producing a more muted and quiet sound, making it ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box Royal will provide a more noticeable and pronounced typing noise, while the Fairy will offer a softer and more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp bump with each key press. In contrast, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as having a polished and smooth typing experience, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication that reduces friction and ensures a sleek key travel. The Fairy switch also offers a mild and gentle typing feel, making it approachable to most users who prefer a comfortable and smooth typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more refined and quiet typing experience with a smooth and gentle feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between Kailh Box Royal tactile switches and Akko Fairy linear switches, consider your typing preferences and work environment. If you enjoy a sharp, binary tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switches are perfect for you. They offer a distinct tactile feedback and are ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and polished typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Fairy switches are a great choice. Their refined lubrication and medium weight provide a comfortable typing feel, making them well-suited for office settings and extended use without causing fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize intense tactility and sound or a more refined and quieter typing experience.
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