Akko Fairy vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy is praised for its refined lubrication, making it an excellent choice for office settings where a smooth typing experience is essential. Its medium weight strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, resulting in a quieter workspace and enabling comfortable extended use. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium resistance level, accompanied by a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that may appeal to different users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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 TTC Gold Red switches feature nylon top housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the contrary, the Gold Red has a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the stiffer plastic material. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the nylon top housing of the Fairy and the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red cater to different sound preferences, offering users the choice between a duller and rounder sound or a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Fairy and Gold Red switches utilize nylon material for this component. This allows for a deeper and fuller typing sound profile, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Although the bottom housings are both nylon, they contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches differently. While the bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, despite having the same bottom housing material, the Fairy and Gold Red switches may offer slightly different typing experiences based on how the housing materials interact with one another.
In conclusion, the differences in housing materials between the Akko Fairy and TTC Gold Red switches offer users the option to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Fairy, or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Gold Red, both switches provide a unique feel and sound profile. By understanding how the top and bottom housings impact the typing experience, users can make an informed decision on which switch best suits their needs based on sound preferences and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that the Fairy switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gold Red switch. The Fairy requires 50 grams to actuate a key and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Gold Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The Fairy switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch is lighter, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gold Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Fairy provides a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a shorter key press. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Gold Red offers a deeper and more satisfying key press, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches will come down to personal preference regarding key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch is best described as having a muted and neutral profile. This means that the typing experience will produce a softer and quieter sound, ideal for office settings where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. This results in a deep, rich, satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide a moderate sound profile suitable for various settings, with the Fairy being more muted and the Gold Red being slightly more pronounced in its sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing feel. The gentle resistance and light typing feel make it comfortable for extended use, ideal for professional tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance, ensuring a comfortable and smooth keypress. Both switches fall within the mild and subtle category, providing a comfortable typing experience suitable for most users.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer excellent qualities in sound and feel. The Fairy switch is more muted and neutral in sound with a polished and subtle feel, making it ideal for quiet office environments. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound with a silky and polished feel, adding a touch of personality to the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is well-suited for office settings, offers a medium weight for a satisfying typing experience without causing fatigue, and has a muted sound profile, then the Akko Fairy switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, a snappy sound profile that adds personality without being too loud, and a switch that is versatile for various intents and purposes, then the TTC Gold Red switch would be a great option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your individual typing style, environment, and desired sound and feel.
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