HMX Canglan V2 vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves gravitating toward the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko Fairy, both of which cater to the linear switch preference yet offer distinct experiences. The HMX Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and smooth, light feel, crafted from superior materials and advanced molding techniques, making it a delightful choice for those who crave auditory satisfaction along with a luxurious typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Fairy prioritizes practicality, especially in office environments, with its factory-applied lubrication providing a whisper-quiet operation and a medium weight that balances resilience and ease, ideal for long hours of typing without fatigue. While the Canglan V2 excels in delivering a rich acoustic experience, the Fairy ensures comfort and subtlety, making it well-suited for professional use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and Akko Fairy switches are remarkably similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of nylon, a classic switch housing material, facilitates a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Both switches are expected to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic qualities. This characteristic helps in sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, which enhances the overall typing experience for users seeking comfort in sound.
When it comes to the configuration of the housings, both the Canglan V2 and Fairy switches rely on the same nylon material for both the top and bottom housings. Consequently, this uniformity allows for consistency across the switches during usage. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, users can expect a similar auditory experience with both switches. The nylon material works to dampen sound across both components, making the overall typing noise softer and more satisfying regardless of which switch is being used.
Ultimately, the similarities in the housing materials—especially the exclusive use of nylon—ensure that both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko Fairy deliver comparable performance and sound profiles. The combination of nylon top and bottom housings provides a consistent sensory experience, enabling users to enjoy the benefits of sound absorption and a rounded acoustic output. Thus, whether typing on the Canglan V2 or the Akko Fairy, the resulting sound and tactile feedback are expected to feel closely aligned, making both switches excellent choices for enthusiasts who value acoustic quality in their keyboard switches.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a softer touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer push when typing or gaming. Therefore, the Canglan V2 can be considered the lighter option, while the Akko Fairy is the heavier choice. Users should choose based on their personal preferences—those seeking a lighter switch for comfort over long periods may gravitate toward the Canglan V2, while those wanting a stronger feedback experience might favor the Akko Fairy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Fairy has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the longer option, offering a more pronounced keystroke depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and hearty experience. In contrast, the Akko Fairy, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor speed and quick response times, making it more suitable for gamers who benefit from less distance to travel when actuating a key. Overall, those looking for a swift and immediate keystroke would be better served by the Fairy, while those desiring deeper keystrokes might prefer the Canglan V2.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan 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 Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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 Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its deep, thocky audio profile, which creates a satisfying auditory experience that enthusiasts truly appreciate. This robust sound can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy pronounced acoustics as part of their keyboard interaction. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch is characterized by its muted and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for quieter environments like offices. The softer audio output of the Fairy minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more discreet typing experience, especially important in shared spaces. While both switches offer distinct sound signatures, choosing between them largely depends on your preference for acoustic feedback during use.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 offers a smooth and light action that is designed to provide a satisfying tactile experience, allowing for effortless key presses that many users find enjoyable. This light touch can make fast typing more fluid and less tiring over extended periods. The Akko Fairy, on the other hand, delivers a polished and refined typing experience, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication. Its medium weight combines gentle resistance with a subtle feedback that is not only comfortable for daily use but also minimizes any potential typing fatigue. The smoothness of the Fairy adds to its overall pleasant feel, appealing to users who prefer a softer, more gentle keying experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and Akko Fairy linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you're looking for a thocky acoustic profile complemented by a light typing experience, the Canglan V2 may suit your needs. Alternatively, if you prioritize a quieter and smoother operation suitable for office settings, the Fairy is a strong contender. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on your specific typing environment and personal comfort preferences, as they each bring valuable traits to the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko Fairy linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience that feels effortlessly satisfying, the Canglan V2 is an excellent option. Its 48-gram bottom-out force offers a delicate touch ideal for gaming or spirited typing sessions, making it a favorite for enthusiasts who enjoy a thocky sound profile and engaging feedback. However, if you require a more balanced switch for everyday use, particularly in a professional or shared environment, the Akko Fairy is well-suited to your needs. With a 60-gram bottom-out force, the Fairy provides a moderate resistance that ensures comfort during prolonged usage while maintaining a muted and refined sound profile. Its polished and subtle characteristics make it perfect for minimizing distractions in an office setting while still delivering a pleasant typing experience. Thus, consider the Canglan V2 for light and expressive sessions, whereas the Fairy will serve you better in tasks demanding extended focus and a quieter atmosphere.
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