Kailh Box White vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White and the Akko Fairy stand out as two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box White is a clicky switch that offers maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Fairy from Akko is a linear switch known for its refined lubrication that ensures a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it perfect for office settings and extended use without causing fatigue. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, 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
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Akko Fairy switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant sound. In contrast, the Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the Box White's top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting with its translucent properties, the Fairy's nylon top housing prioritizes a more subdued and round sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box White and Akko Fairy switches use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon plastic helps in absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the bottom housing of both switches emphasizes the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. While the differences lie in the top housings of the switches, the similar use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Akko Fairy ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Fairy provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent and reliable typing experience with a focus on absorbing sound for a smoother typing feel. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound with the Box White or a fuller sound with the Fairy, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch have identical actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and key responsiveness. However, some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko Fairy switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Kailh Box White switch. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the slight difference in distance may affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Akko Fairy switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Kailh Box White switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and 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 White comes in at $2.76 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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is characterized by a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, providing a tactile and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound, ideal for office environments where a quieter workspace is desired. The factory-applied lubrication of the Fairy switch ensures a smooth typing experience, with a medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying press and comfort for extended use.
When it comes to feel, both the Box White and Fairy switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Fairy switch is noted for its mild and subtle characteristics, providing a gentle resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces. These qualities make the Fairy switch comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, aligning well with the demands of daily professional tasks.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles tailored to different preferences and environments. While the Box White excels in providing maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Fairy switch stands out for its quiet operation and comfort for extended use. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and intended use, both switches offer quality options that cater to a range of typing needs. Overall, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Akko Fairy linear switch, you should factor in your typing environment and preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Box White switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, the Akko Fairy switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings or prolonged use. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences and the demands of your typing environment.
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