HMX Cheese vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Akko Fairy both offer unique qualities worth exploring. The HMX Cheese switches are lauded for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches stand out for being lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are designed with office settings in mind, featuring factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience. Their medium weight strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making them ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. While the HMX Cheese offers a light and unique typing experience, the Akko Fairy provides a more refined and comfortable option for professional tasks. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko Fairy are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on switches that use nylon housing will result in a unique sound experience that enhances the overall typing feel.
While both the Cheese and the Fairy utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, the way in which these materials are implemented may vary between the two switches. The bottom housing of a switch generally has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This split in the qualities each housing material brings can result in a more nuanced typing experience, as users may notice variations in sound and feel depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key.
Overall, the similarities between the nylon housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko Fairy suggest that users can expect comparable sound profiles and typing experiences from both switches. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings ensures a consistent feel and sound quality, making these switches ideal choices for those seeking a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether typing on the Cheese or the Fairy, users can enjoy the benefits of nylon housing that enhance the overall tactile feedback and sound output of the switches.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cheese requires 46 grams to bottom out, while the Fairy needs 60 grams. This means that the Cheese switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Fairy switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Cheese switch provides a lighter touch, while the Fairy switch gives a more solid and heavier feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly longer than the Akko Fairy linear switch at 3.3 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, with the Cheese being a bit on the longer side compared to the Fairy. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Cheese switch, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the Fairy switch more to their liking. Overall, both switches offer a similar feel with only a slight variation in travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 Cheese linear switch offers a unique experience with a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that stands out among other switches. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared workspaces. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary based on these additional elements.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is renowned for its unmatched smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a light actuation force that contributes to its overall responsiveness. In comparison, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, with a smooth and refined finish that provides a sleek typing experience. This, combined with its moderate actuation force, ensures a comfortable typing feel that strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and extended use without causing fatigue.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and ultra-light actuation force, offering a satisfying typing experience that is unmatched by many other switches. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch excels in providing a quieter and more refined typing experience, making it ideal for office or professional settings where a quieter workspace is desired. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality experiences that cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the HMX Cheese and Akko Fairy switches will depend on the user's specific preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a super light switch with a unique clacky sound and ultra-smooth typing experience, then the Cheese switch would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch that is well-suited for office settings, offering a balanced mix of resistance and comfort with a muted sound profile, then the Fairy switch from Akko would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize lightness and sound with the Cheese switch or balance and comfort with the Fairy switch. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your typing experience.
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