Akko Fairy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. The Akko Fairy switches are tailored for office environments, boasting smooth typing experiences and a balanced medium weight that prevents fatigue during extended use. With factory-applied lubrication, these switches create a quiet workspace conducive to productivity. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are geared towards gaming enthusiasts, offering lightning-fast responsiveness with a shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting for an immersive gaming experience. While the Akko Fairy prioritizes comfort and professional tasks, the Gateron G Pro Silver focuses on delivering exceptional gaming performance without breaking the bank. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, the major difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Fairy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and duller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a muffled and rounded sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the G Pro 3.0 Silver opt for nylon. This choice results in a consistent deep and full sound profile for both switches. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound effectively, creating a more muted and rounded sound experience. Whether typing on the Fairy or the G Pro 3.0 Silver, users can expect a similar tactile feel and sound quality due to the shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Fairy's nylon top housing delivers a softer and fuller sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound profile. On the other hand, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and full sound experience for both switches. Whether you prefer a more muted and rounded sound or a sharper and crisper sound, the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver cater to different preferences and play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0's 45 grams, making the Fairy the heavier option. Additionally, the Fairy has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making the Fairy again the heavier option. This means that the Fairy switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, while the G Pro 3.0 provides a lighter touch for those who prefer less resistance when typing. Both switches offer different weight options, catering to individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, we can see that the Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. Choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference - those who prefer a slightly longer travel distance may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while those looking for a slightly shorter travel distance may prefer the Akko Fairy. Overall, both switches offer a similar feel and performance due to their closely matched travel distances.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer auditory feedback that adds an exhilarating element to gaming sessions. The Fairy switch focuses on minimizing noise, while the G Pro Silver switch emphasizes a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound, catering to the gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches in terms of sound will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a more immersive gaming auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is characterized by a buttery and creamy typing sensation, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform keystroke experience. The Fairy switch focuses on reduced friction and smooth key travel, while the G Pro Silver switch provides a silky sensation akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Depending on whether you prefer a polished and subtle feel or a buttery and creamy typing experience, your choice between these two switches will vary to suit your preferences.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience ideal for office settings, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a more immersive and responsive typing experience tailored for gaming. The decision between these two switches ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences – whether you prioritize a quieter workspace or seek a more engaging gaming experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring that you will get satisfying results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings, offers a medium weight for a satisfying press without causing fatigue, and provides a smooth typing experience with muted sound, then the Akko Fairy linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking exceptional value, lightning-fast responsiveness with a shorter travel distance, vibrant RGB lighting, and a bassy, low-pitched, thocky sound profile, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the perfect choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize office comfort and quietness or gaming performance and immersive sound experience.
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