Akko Fairy vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options stand out: the Akko Fairy and the TTC Flaming Pink. The Fairy switches are ideal for quieter office environments, boasting a refined, factory-applied lubrication that guarantees a smooth, muted typing experience. With a medium weight, they provide just the right amount of resistance to ensure comfort and minimize fatigue during long periods of use. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switches shine with their smooth and responsive action, delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound that appeals to both gamers and daily typists. While they strike a balance between auditory feedback and performance, the Flaming Pinks offer a more vibrant sound profile that can enhance the typing experience without being overly distracting. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your specific needs: whether you prefer a subdued, polished feel for work or a lively response for gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and TTC Flaming Pink switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which directly influence their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Fairy's top housing is made of nylon, a material known for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This property allows the nylon to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Flaming Pink utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The differences in material can create a unique typing experience, with the Fairy favoring a softer, more muted sound, while the Flaming Pink is more likely to produce a bright and resonant tone.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which has an equally significant impact on the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Akko Fairy and TTC Flaming Pink contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer composition absorbs sound effectively. This means that, while the top housing might dictate the sharpness and clarity of the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing will provide the consistent rounded sound and feel when bottoming out. As such, even though the top materials differ, the shared nylon bottom helps to create a sense of uniformity in terms of sound when both switches are fully pressed down.
In summary, while the Akko Fairy and TTC Flaming Pink switches feature different top housing materials, they ultimately deliver unique yet complementary sound profiles. The combination of the nylon bottom housing in both switches results in a consistent auditory experience upon bottoming out. Therefore, regardless of the contrasting characteristics of the top materials, users can expect a satisfying and rounded sound due to the nylon bottom, while the distinct top materials will cater to different preferences in auditory sharpness and clarity. The result is a typing experience that embraces the strengths of both switch designs, allowing users to enjoy a customized auditory journey with each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter pressing experience would benefit from the Flaming Pink switch, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. Conversely, the Fairy switch might appeal to those who enjoy a heavier, more substantial feel when pressing the keys. In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is the lighter option, while the Akko Fairy switch is the heavier choice, providing distinct feedback suited for different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, the Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Flaming Pink features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Akko Fairy is the shorter option, making it more appealing for those who prioritize quick, responsive keystrokes, which is particularly favored by gamers. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback and depth while typing, as it offers a slightly more traditional feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for key response and tactile feedback.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 sound profile of the Akko Fairy linear switch is characterized by its muted and neutral qualities, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. The soft sound produced by the Fairy ensures that typing is discreet, catering well to office settings or shared workspaces. The TTC Flaming Pink, on the other hand, is known for its smooth yet responsive sound with a satisfying bottom-out experience that strikes a balance between clarity and understated volume. While the Flaming Pink offers a bright sound that avoids overwhelming noise, it still provides a pleasant auditory feedback that could feel more engaging during use. Ultimately, both switches offer a sound profile that can accommodate quieter environments, but the Fairy leans more towards subtlety, while the Flaming Pink provides a bit more character without being intrusive.
In terms of the tactile feel, the Akko Fairy switches impress with their polished, mild, and subtle characteristics. The refined finish ensures a smooth typing experience, highlighting minimal friction throughout key travel, which is crucial for prolonged use without discomfort. The medium weight of the switch further enhances this experience, providing just the right amount of resistance for a satisfying keystroke. The TTC Flaming Pink switches are also praised for their smoothness and responsiveness, although specific descriptors about their feel were not provided. However, the general consensus is that both switches aim to provide a comfortable experience, with the Fairy particularly excelling in delivering a controlled yet gentle typing sensation.
In summary, both the Akko Fairy and TTC Flaming Pink switches cater to users who seek a balance between sound and feel in their typing experience. The Fairy's muted sound and polished feel make it ideal for quieter environments, while the Flaming Pink offers a slightly more engaging auditory experience without being overly loud. Both options promise smooth key travel, albeit with potentially differing characteristics in the sound department. Choosing between them may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound engagement versus subtlety, but either switch provides a well-rounded, enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're planning to use your keyboard primarily in an office environment or for extended typing sessions, the Fairy switch is likely your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced resistance that prevents fatigue while ensuring a smooth and polished typing experience, enhanced by factory lubrication. This makes it especially suitable for quieter spaces where you want to minimize noise interruptions. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that is versatile for both gaming and daily tasks, and you prefer a lighter touch, the TTC Flaming Pink switch may be the better option. With its more responsive feel and lighter 50-gram actuation force, it allows for faster key presses, making it ideal for gaming scenarios, while still offering a satisfying sound profile. In summary, consider the Akko Fairy for a refined and quiet typing experience in professional settings, while opting for the TTC Flaming Pink if you crave a more dynamic switch that excels in both casual and competitive gaming.
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