Akko Fairy vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Pink both offer unique advantages worth considering. The Akko Fairy, known for its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight, provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience perfect for office settings. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink stands out for its light 37g actuation force and clacky sound, making it ideal for fast and effortless typing or gaming. While the Fairy offers a refined and comfortable feel, the Gold Pink provides a lively and responsive typing 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Pink utilize different housing materials for their switches. The Fairy features a nylon top housing which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Gold Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition resulting in a clearer and resonant sound. While the Fairy's nylon bottom housing mirrors the same qualities as its top housing, the Gold Pink opts for a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar sound characteristics as the Fairy.
The distinction in housing materials between the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Pink highlights their unique sound profiles. The contrasting qualities of nylon and polycarbonate influence the overall typing experience on these switches, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound while polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper tone. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches maintain a consistent sound profile due to the shared use of nylon in this component. This emphasizes the importance of housing materials in determining the sound outcome of mechanical keyboards, showcasing how slight variations can impact the overall typing experience.
The division of housing materials in the Akko Fairy and TTC Gold Pink allows for a balanced distribution of sound characteristics throughout the switches. The bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel is evident with nylon providing a duller and rounder tone in both switches. Conversely, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and more resonant sound compared to nylon. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience driven by their choice of housing materials, demonstrating the significance of material selection in determining sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gold Pink's lighter 37 grams. Similarly, the Fairy requires 60 grams to bottom out, while the Gold Pink only needs 45 grams. This makes the Gold Pink switch overall lighter in feel compared to the Fairy, which may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Fairy's slightly heavier forces could provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a bit more resistance. In terms of weight, the Gold Pink would be a better choice for those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the Fairy would suit those who prefer a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Pink switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Fairy switch. Traditional travel distance is around 4.0mm, so the Gold Pink switch falls within that range. However, 3.0mm is considered the shallow end of the spectrum. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Fairy switch a popular choice for gaming. On the other hand, some users may find the longer travel distance of the Gold Pink switch to provide a more satisfying typing experience with a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 offers a muted and neutral sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to clacky switches. This makes them ideal for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which offers a satisfying level of feedback to users. The Gold Pink switches are designed to deliver a light and lively typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more audible feedback while typing. Keep in mind that individual sound perception can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is suitable for extended use. These switches are known for their comfortable and approachable feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with exceptionally light actuation force. These switches are perfect for users looking for a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable for extended periods, such as for gaming or work.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switches provide a quieter and more neutral sound profile with a polished and subtle feel, ideal for office settings and extended use. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switches deliver a clacky sound with a buttery and feathery feel, perfect for users looking for a more audible and effortless typing experience. Depending on your personal preference and typing needs, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, consider the specific needs of your typing experience. If you prioritize a comfortable and balanced typing experience, especially in a professional or office setting, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium weight and smooth keypress may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light and effortless typing experience with a satisfying feedback for tasks such as rapid typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink switch with its lighter actuation force and clacky sound may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique advantages, so it's important to weigh these factors against your individual typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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