Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to suit their specific needs and preferences. The Akko Fairy switches stand out in office environments, where their refined, factory-applied lubrication ensures a smooth and quiet typing experience. With a medium weight offering a satisfying level of resistance, the Fairies are designed for long hours of use without causing fatigue, making them ideal for professionals seeking comfort and subtlety in their typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches, being lighter and part of Gateron's premium lineup, provide a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel. While both switches are linear and designed to enhance typing pleasure, the Akko Fairy offers a muted, mild experience perfect for quieter spaces, whereas the Glory Red is geared towards a dynamic, engaging experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Glory Red switches are notably similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice contributes significantly to the acoustic profile and tactile experience of both switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics used in other switches. As a result, both the Fairy and Glory Red switches are designed to provide a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This acoustic characteristic can enhance the overall typing experience, offering a duller and rounder sound that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate.
While the respective designs of the Akko Fairy and Gateron Glory Red switches may differ in other aspects—such as stem type, actuation points, or branding—their use of nylon housing creates a level of tonal consistency between them. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory results from either switch under comparable typing conditions. The resilience and flexibility of nylon allow both switches to generate a satisfying sound profile that emphasizes the quality of the keystrokes while minimizing the harshness often associated with harder housing materials.
Additionally, the design implications of having nylon for both the top and bottom housings mean that the benefits of the material are consistently felt across the entire switch. With both the Fairy and Glory Red, the tactile feedback and audible response during key presses and releases will likely reflect a harmonious blend of the nylon characteristics. Specifically, the bottom-out sound, which is predominantly influenced by the bottom housing, will still resonate with a full quality due to the shared nylon material, while the top housing will similarly soften the release sound. This results in a cohesive experience, allowing users to enjoy both switches with similar acoustics and performance characteristics.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch present distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Glory Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press down for extended periods, which could benefit users who favor lighter switches for long typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison for that specific metric. With the Fairy's bottom out force set at 60 grams, it provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed compared to the potentially lighter experience of the Glory Red. Overall, the Fairy is the heavier switch, offering a firmer typing experience, while the Glory Red caters to those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Fairy switch allows for a quicker response time, making it favorable for gamers who prefer a more responsive feel. Conversely, the Glory Red switch, with its longer travel distance, might provide a more substantial depth and tactile feedback that some users appreciate. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Akko Fairy would be the ideal choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper, more deliberate keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red may be more suitable for you. In this case, the Akko Fairy is the shorter option and the Gateron Glory Red is the longer one.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out with its muted characteristics, which produce a softer and quieter sound compared to typical mechanical switches. This makes it a highly suitable option for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept in check. The Fairy also offers a neutral sound profile, balancing actuation force with moderate sound, making it versatile for both beginners and experienced typists. In contrast, there is no specific sound profile provided for the Gateron Glory Red linear switch; thus, it remains uncertain how it would compare in terms of acoustic performance. However, given that it’s designed for a smooth keystroke, one could anticipate that it may not deviate significantly from standard linear switch sounds, leaning towards somewhere between moderately quiet and unobtrusive.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches deliver a mild and subtle typing experience. The gentle resistance is designed to maintain a comfortable press without feeling too heavy, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. This gentility enhances the overall experience, resulting in a typing feel that can be described as light yet satisfying. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the Gateron Glory Red switches are not specifically detailed; therefore, while they promise a smooth keystroke with pleasing travel distance, we cannot make a direct comparison to the nuanced feel of the Fairy switch.
In summary, both the Akko Fairy and Gateron Glory Red linear switches appeal to users looking for a refined typing experience suitable for prolonged use. The Fairy's muted sound and mild feel cater well to office settings and shared spaces, while the lack of specific sound and feel descriptors for the Glory Red renders it less clear how it will perform in those areas. However, if you value a smooth typing experience over pronounced tactile feedback or sound, both switches will likely satisfy your needs, each in their own way, with the Fairy being the more defined choice for those who prioritize a quieter performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use case. If you are working in an office environment or require a switch conducive to long hours of typing, the Fairy is an excellent option. Its medium actuation force provides a balanced feel that minimizes fatigue, while the factory lubrication and muted sound profile keep distractions to a minimum, making it ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel in your keystrokes and enjoy a more dynamic typing experience, the Glory Red switch may be the better choice for you. Though its exact bottom-out force is unknown, this switch is designed for a smooth and enjoyable travel distance, catering well to gamers and those who appreciate a responsive action. In summary, choose the Akko Fairy for a comfortable, noise-sensitive environment; opt for the Gateron Glory Red if you seek a lively and lighter typing experience.
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