HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves contemplating the distinctions between various options. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and lighter weight, delivering a bright and engaging typing experience ideal for users who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback. With its silky smooth actuations, it appeals to those seeking a lively and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch is designed with a focus on comfort and noise reduction, making it a perfect fit for professional environments. With factory-applied lubrication, the Fairy offers a refined typing experience characterized by its medium weight, providing both the sufficient resistance needed for satisfying key presses and the subtlety required for quieter workspaces. While both switches are linear, targeting different user preferences, they cater well to specific contexts—one for enthusiasts who relish a more pronounced typing sound, and the other for users in need of a more muted, comfortable solution for extended use. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko Fairy both utilize nylon for their switch housings, lending them a strong similarity in sound and feel. The nylon material used in both the top and bottom housings contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that many users appreciate. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic, which inherently absorbs more sound than harder alternatives. As a result, when typing on either the HMX Cloud - 50g or the Akko Fairy, users will likely experience similar auditory characteristics—namely a duller and rounder sound that enhances the tactile experience of typing.
In examining the specifics of their construction, both switches showcase identical properties resulting from their nylon housing. The top housing of both the Cloud - 50g and the Fairy plays a significant role in shaping the sound produced when a key is released, while the bottom housing primarily influences the sound and feel at the point of bottoming out. Since both switches share identical housing materials, one can expect cohesive performance where the auditory results mirror each other closely. The consistent use of nylon in both instances means that users should not notice a significant variance in the overall acoustic profile, allowing for a reliable and familiar typing experience across both switch types.
Ultimately, while the Cloud - 50g and the Akko Fairy may come from different brands, their nylon housings unify them in terms of sound and feel, creating a compelling choice for users who appreciate similar auditory feedback. The synergistic interplay between the top and bottom housings ensures that both switches offer a rich acoustic experience, with the attributes contributing to an enjoyable typing session. Thus, whether choosing the Cloud - 50g or the Fairy, users can expect a delightful consistency characterized by the signature qualities of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Akko Fairy linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features a lightweight actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier on the fingers and ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. 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 that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. Therefore, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option here, while the Fairy is the heavier switch. Users seeking a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Cloud, while those who enjoy greater resistance might opt for the Fairy, reflecting personal preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, the differences are notable. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Fairy measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Cloud switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feedback during typing, which some users may find desirable for a satisfying experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Fairy switch can lead to quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Akko Fairy would be the better choice, but if a more robust sensation is what you desire, the HMX Cloud - 50g would serve you well. By selecting the switch that aligns with your preferences in travel distance, you can optimize your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko Fairy linear switches, the Cloud - 50g is characterized by its clacky sound, catering to enthusiasts seeking a brighter auditory experience. In contrast, the Fairy switches offer a much more muted and neutral sound profile, designed to minimize noise, making them especially suitable for quieter environments such as offices. The significantly quieter nature of the Fairy switches is ideal for those sharing spaces, while the Cloud - 50g is geared towards users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch provides a silky smooth typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a fluid motion with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Fairy switch is polished and refined, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel due to its factory-applied lubrication. The combination of this polished finish with a mild and subtle resistance gives the Fairy its approachable, comfortable feel. These qualities make both switches appealing, though the Cloud - 50g leans more towards an enthusiastic tactile experience while the Fairy caters to a gentler and more professional typing sensation.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko Fairy linear switches provide captivating choices for different user preferences. While the Cloud - 50g is characterized by a vibrant, clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, the Fairy switches prioritize a muted auditory experience and a polished, mild feel that is especially suited for professional settings. Choosing between them will depend largely on whether you prefer an audible, expressive typing experience or a quieter, more subdued one that can seamlessly blend into an office environment. Ultimately, you can expect contrasting results that reflect your preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you gravitate towards a lighter typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is your switch of choice. It offers a swift and smooth feel that can enhance the joy of typing for enthusiasts who relish that bright auditory feedback. However, if you find yourself in a professional environment or shared workspace, the Akko Fairy switch would be more appropriate. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams provides a satisfying resistance without being overly fatiguing, and its refined, muted sound profile ensures a quieter typing experience that won’t disturb others. Additionally, the polished feel of the Fairy switch, complemented by its subtle sound and tactile characteristics, makes it ideal for long hours of typing. Therefore, ultimately, carefully consider your environment and typing preferences to choose between these two excellent switches.
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