Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it's clear that both have their own unique strengths and qualities. The Akko Fairy stands out for its refined, factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are perfect for extended use without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a popular choice among the mechanical keyboard community. The Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched and bassy typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a solid and satisfying keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches differ in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Fairy's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, though not overly sharp. These differences in sound profiles can affect the overall typing experience and preference of users.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both the Akko Fairy and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches share the characteristic of using high-quality materials in their housing construction. The nylon used in the Fairy's housing and the proprietary INK blend in the Ink Black V2's housing are both durable and reliable materials that contribute to the overall stability and performance of the switches. With these high-quality materials, users can expect consistent typing experiences and longevity from both switches.
In terms of typing feel, the bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Akko Fairy's nylon bottom housing will influence the feel of pressing down on the switch, while the Gateron Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing will have a similar impact. However, the difference in sound profiles between the top housings of the two switches will be more noticeable when releasing a key, with the Fairy producing a deeper sound compared to the Ink Black V2's higher-pitched clacky sound.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams while the Ink Black V2 needs 70 grams. This makes the Fairy a medium switch in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Ink Black V2 leans more towards the medium-heavy side. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Akko Fairy switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push may find the Gateron Ink Black V2 more suited to their preference. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, with the main difference being the slight variation in weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Fairy offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a more responsive keypress, such as gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 acoustic profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch produces a low-pitched, bassy sound with a hint of chirpiness, adding a unique depth and richness to the typing experience. The Fairy switch may be more preferable for those seeking a quieter environment, while the Ink Black V2 switch caters to individuals looking for a more dynamic and characteristic sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko Fairy and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches are described as offering a polished and mild typing experience. This means that users can expect smooth and refined key presses with reduced friction, leading to a comfortable and approachable typing feel. Both switches fall within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users regardless of their typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Fairy switch excels in providing a quieter and more subdued typing experience ideal for office environments, the Ink Black V2 switch stands out with its low-pitched, bassy sound profile that adds depth and character to each key press. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, both of which can greatly enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the specific characteristics of each. If you are working in an office setting and value a smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Fairy switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a smooth downstroke with a rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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