Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable contenders from Akko highlight the spectrum of tactile and linear options: the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Fairy. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and a bassier sound signature, making it an exciting option for users who revel in a more dynamic keypress that provides both auditory and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switches shine in office environments, featuring a refined, factory-applied lubrication that enables a smooth typing experience while maintaining a quieter profile. Their medium weight offers the perfect equilibrium, providing just enough resistance to ensure comfort during extensive typing sessions. Ultimately, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro caters to those seeking a lively and tactile typing experience, the Fairy appeals to users desiring a polished and muted option for everyday tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
20mm spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Fairy differ primarily in their top housing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This characteristic grants it a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it particularly effective for users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback. The polycarbonate's clarity is also beneficial when RGB lighting is utilized, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Fairy's top housing is constructed from nylon, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a more muted auditory experience. The nylon's softer composition dampens noise, creating a rounder sound when keys are pressed.
When examining the bottom housing configurations, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Fairy utilize nylon materials. This consistency in bottom housing means that both switches share similar qualities when it comes to sound profile from the bottom-out position. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-dampening properties, users can expect a rich, fuller sound from the actuation of either switch. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the overall sound experience, the similar material used in the bottom housing provides both switches with a well-rounded and expressive bottom-out sound.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Fairy differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a shared sound profile during key actuation. This dual-material approach allows users to choose between a sharper top-end auditory experience with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and a fuller sound from the Fairy, while still enjoying the familiar, deeper notes produced by the nylon bottom. Ultimately, either option provides a unique experience shaped by the balance of materials, catering to varied user preferences without sacrificing the satisfying auditory quality that nylon contributes.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offers a notably lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Akko Fairy linear switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Creamy Purple Pro more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the Fairy switch caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers. In summary, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, promoting ease of use, whereas the Fairy switch provides a firmer response for a robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, there is a notable difference. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Fairy switch has a longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users who favor quicker response times might find the Creamy Purple Pro to be more suitable due to its shallower depth, which can aid in faster activation during gaming. On the other hand, the Fairy switch, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced feel when pressing keys, as it provides a bit more depth for each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a user prioritizes responsiveness or a more traditional typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch produces a notably loud sound signature that leans towards the bassier end of the spectrum, making it one of the more prominent switches in terms of auditory feedback. This robust sound can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Akko Fairy linear switch delivers a muted and neutral sound profile, characterized by a softer and quieter output. This makes the Fairy an appealing choice for office environments or any setting where noise reduction is a priority since it minimizes the clatter commonly associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its invigorating tactile bump, providing a clear and satisfying feedback upon actuation. This tactile nature can enhance the typing experience by clearly indicating when a key has been pressed successfully, making it ideal for typists who appreciate distinct feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch offers a polished feel with a smooth, refined finish that ensures reduced friction during key presses. The mild and subtle resistance of the Fairy further contributes to a comfortable typing experience, making these switches suitable for extended use without causing fatigue.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Fairy switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who appreciate a loud, tactile experience, whereas the Fairy is better suited for quieter environments with a smoother, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer pronounced feedback and sound or a more subdued and refined typing experience. Both options have their merits, making them effective choices in their respective niches.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and the environments where you plan to use them. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump that provides clear feedback during your typing sessions, along with a bassy sound signature that adds a bit of personality to your keyboard, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice, particularly for personal setups where sound is less of a concern. This switch's lighter actuation force also makes it a great option for longer typing sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you need a switch that offers a more polished and muted experience suitable for office environments, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be more appropriate. Its balanced actuation force strikes a comfortable middle ground, allowing for smooth and quiet typing without drawing undue attention in shared spaces. This makes the Fairy an ideal choice for long hours of typing, providing both comfort and discretion. In conclusion, weigh your preferences for tactile feedback versus a smoother, quieter typing experience when making your decision.
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