Akko Fairy vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and TTC Ice both stand out as linear options that cater to distinct preferences and use cases. The Fairy switches are specifically designed for the office environment, boasting a refined, factory-applied lubrication that results in a remarkably smooth typing experience. Their medium weight provides a balanced resistance that ensures comfort during extended typing sessions, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quieter workspace without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches shine with their striking transparent design and a smooth, responsive feel. They deliver a premium typing experience, enhanced by a satisfying bottom-out sound that appeals to both gamers and casual users alike. While both switches offer their unique benefits—such as the Fairy's emphasis on subtlety and comfort in professional settings, and the Ice's focus on aesthetics and audio feedback—they cater to different priorities. 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
60g
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
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the TTC Ice switches, a clear distinction arises between their respective top housings. The Akko Fairy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is renowned for its softer and more absorbent qualities. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon is able to dampen vibrations effectively, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The fine translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting, but also contributes to its resonant sound qualities. This fundamental difference in materials leads to a distinct auditory experience when typing, with the Fairy providing a softer sound and the Ice offering a more pronounced clarity.
The comparison extends to the bottom housings of the switches, where nylon is again favored by the Akko Fairy, mirroring the characteristics seen in its top housing. This consistency strengthens the Fairy's overall sound profile, honing in on a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The TTC Ice, on the other hand, combines its polycarbonate top housing with a polycarbonate bottom, amplifying the crisp and clear sound prevalent in both segments. This duality of polycarbonate in the Ice ensures that the sharpness is consistent throughout, resulting in an even more defined sound per keystroke. In essence, while both switches can create satisfactory auditory experiences, the Fairy leans towards a softer sound profile across both housings, while the Ice provides a cohesive and resonant sound through its use of polycarbonate throughout.
Furthermore, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound. The bottom housing contributes predominantly to the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing the key. In the case of the Akko Fairy, the nylon material's properties create a soft and cushy feel on both top and bottom, yielding a more muted acoustic result. Contrastingly, the TTC Ice's use of polycarbonate for both housings results in a sharper, more distinct experience in both action and sound. Thus, while the switches diverge in terms of materials and resulting characteristics, they provide unique experiences that may cater to different typing preferences and sound profiles.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are identical. The Fairy switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Ice switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Ice switch more comfortable for extended use, particularly during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that once fully depressed, they offer a similar resistance. This consistency in bottom out force means that while the initial trigger of the key may differ, both switches will provide a comparable feeling when bottomed out, catering to users who desire a solid tactile finish. For those looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the TTC Ice linear switch would be the preferable option, whereas those who appreciate a firmer keystroke might opt for the Akko Fairy linear switch.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Ice linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. As a result, if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Akko Fairy may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster response times favored by gamers. On the other hand, the TTC Ice, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and pronounced feedback that some users might find more satisfying during use. Thus, while both switches serve the same function, they cater to different preferences in typing experience: the Akko Fairy is ideal for those who prefer quicker actuation, whereas the TTC Ice suits those who enjoy a deeper keystroke 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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 considering the sound profile of the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is designed to be muted and neutral, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes it particularly suitable for office environments where noise minimization is a priority. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch does not have a specified sound profile, which leaves its acoustic characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, the overall context of the Ice being a premium switch suggests that it may still deliver a pleasant auditory experience; keep in mind that sound can also vary widely depending on other factors like the keyboard construction and keycap selection.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko Fairy switch excels with its polished and mild characteristics. The refined, factory-applied lubrication ensures a smooth and gentle typing experience, while the subtle resistance makes it user-friendly for those who may not be accustomed to mechanical keyboards. This combination allows for reduced friction and a desirable typing flow. The TTC Ice switch lacks a specific description for its feel as well, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, given the general reputation of TTC switches, one can expect a quality typing experience, possibly aligning with the smoothness that characterizes the Fairy.
In summary, the Akko Fairy linear switch is particularly well-suited for office settings due to its muted sound and polished feel, making it comfortable for prolonged use. The TTC Ice switch, while lacking specific details in comparison, is positioned as a premium switch which may appeal to both gamers and everyday users. Ultimately, if you prefer a quieter and refined typing experience, the Fairy is an excellent choice. In the absence of detailed information on the Ice, users may face variability, but the expectation of a quality experience remains. Therefore, while you may achieve similar outcomes, the Fairy switch provides clearer benefits for office use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, you'll want to consider your specific needs and environment. If you work in an office setting or require a switch that minimizes noise while providing a smooth typing experience, the Akko Fairy is the way to go. Its polished and refined feel, combined with a muted sound profile, makes it ideal for extended use without fatigue, allowing you to type comfortably throughout your workday. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that delivers a premium typing sensation with a more vibrant feel and clear visual aesthetics, the TTC Ice switch would be a better choice. Its responsive and satisfying bottom-out sound is well-suited for both gaming and everyday tasks, adding a more engaging element to your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by the setting in which you’ll be using the keyboard and whether you prioritize quiet and comfort or responsiveness and aesthetic appeal.
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