Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Akko Fairy can significantly influence your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out for their clicky feedback and audible click sound, making them an exciting option for users who thrive on tactile sensations and auditory affirmations with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who enjoy an engaging typing sound and feel. On the other hand, Akko Fairy switches offer a contrasting experience. These linear switches are designed with factory-applied lubrication to deliver a smooth and refined typing experience that is particularly suited for office environments. Their medium weight strikes a great balance, providing enough resistance for a satisfying press while minimizing fatigue for extended typing sessions. This makes them a fantastic choice for professionals who value a quieter and more comfortable workspace. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko Fairy, we see distinct differences in their top housing compositions that significantly influence the switches' sound profiles. The Kailh Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Polycarbonate's translucency also enhances the aesthetics of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize visual effects in their keyboard setup. In contrast, the Akko Fairy's top housing is made from nylon, a material that is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. As a result, the sound produced by the Akko Fairy tends to be deeper and fuller, giving it a rounder quality that contrasts with the Box White's sharper profile.
While both switches share nylon material in their bottom housings, the characteristics of each switch's sound signature are markedly influenced by their differing top housings. The bottom housing, regardless of the switch's make, tends to contribute to a deeper and more muted sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb vibrations. As both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similarly rounded sound when bottoming out keys. However, the overall experience will vary due to the contrasting properties of the top housings; the Box White's polycarbonate top will add a crispness to the release sound, while the Fairy's nylon top will maintain a smoother and more subdued auditory experience upon key release.
In summary, the main difference between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko Fairy lies in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon. This divergence affects how each switch sounds while typing and releasing keys, offering users distinct auditory experiences. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to a commonality in the deeper sound produced when bottoming out, allowing both switches to generate satisfying feedback despite their differences. Thus, while a user may achieve a pleasant typing experience with either switch, the choice ultimately depends on whether they prefer the crisper notes from the Box White V2 or the full-bodied sound character of the Akko Fairy.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Akko Fairy linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions, such as during work or extended gaming. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which offers a more substantial feeling under your fingers. Consequently, while the Box White V2 is favored by those who prioritize ease of typing, the Fairy switch caters to users who enjoy a more robust tactile response. Overall, each switch provides a distinct typing experience, with the Box White V2 being lighter and more suited for extended use, whereas the Akko Fairy appeals to those who appreciate a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Box White V2 measuring 3.6 mm and the Fairy at 3.3 mm. This makes the Akko Fairy the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Box White V2 offers a more tactile experience that some users appreciate for its depth. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Kailh Box White V2's additional 0.3 mm may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, making it ideal for users who value feedback in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is known for its distinct and crisp audible click that provides a tactile and auditory confirmation with each keystroke. This makes it particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy a pronounced feedback loop; however, it can also be quite loud, which may not be suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switches deliver a more muted and neutral sound profile. Their softer acoustics minimize the mechanical noise typically associated with such switches, making them ideal for office settings or shared workspaces. While the Box White V2 excels in creating an engaging auditory experience, the Fairy brings a calmness that is conducive to focused work without disrupting others.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 offers a pronounced tactile feedback that typists often find invigorating, although there is no specific quality mentioned regarding its texture or smoothness. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are polished and provide a smooth typing experience thanks to factory lubrication. The medium weight of the Fairy switches brings a balance between resistance and comfort, avoiding fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, their mild and subtle characteristics present a gentle typing resistance that feels approachable and pleasant, allowing for a relaxed yet responsive experience. Overall, while the Box White V2 provides a more tactile and engaging experience, the Fairy switches shine in their smoothness and comfort.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko Fairy switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Box White V2 is favored for its distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback, ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. Conversely, the Akko Fairy switches prioritize a muted sound and smooth, polished feel, making them excellent for professional environments where quiet and comfort are key. These subjective qualities will suggest that the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preference and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced auditory feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force of 50 grams makes it responsive and fun for typing or gaming, especially if you appreciate the satisfying click sound that helps affirm each keystroke. However, if you plan to use your keyboard in a quieter office setting or for longer typing sessions, then the Akko Fairy linear switch is likely the better option. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams offers a comfortable balance that reduces typing fatigue, and its muted sound profile ensures it won't disturb others around you. Additionally, the polished feel of the Fairy switch, combined with its subtle resistance, makes it particularly suitable for extended use without sacrificing typing satisfaction. Ultimately, it’s about finding what suits your typing style and situational needs best; each switch has its own strengths tailored for different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
