Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy is renowned for its refined, factory-applied lubrication that delivers a smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office settings where a quieter workspace is desired. With a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red stands out for its lower actuation force, making it perfect for individuals with a lighter typing style. Known for its smooth and satisfying feel, the Ink Reds also produce a crispy and clacky sound profile that adds to the typing experience. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, such as comfort and smoothness for the Fairy and lightness and sound profile for the Ink Red, 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Ink Red switches both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, they offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Fairy and the Ink Red switches both utilize nylon in their construction, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as well as a more rounded sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The Ink Red's bottom housing, like the Fairy's, contributes to a more muted and dull sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. Despite their similarities in bottom housing materials, the switches still offer distinct sound characteristics due to other factors such as the top housing material.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Ink Red switches result in contrasting sound profiles. While the Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile. However, both switches share the commonality of having nylon bottom housings, which contribute to the switches' overall sound profile in terms of depth and roundness. Ultimately, the choice between the Fairy and the Ink Red will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there is a slight difference in actuation force. The Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Ink Red is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Fairy. The actuation force is crucial as it determines how much force is needed to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Both switches fall under the medium category, providing a balanced typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Gateron Ink Red, while those who desire a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Akko Fairy.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Fairy has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red. The Fairy's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Red may provide a more substantial keypress experience. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Ink Red being more traditional and the Fairy offering a slightly shallower feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness and keypress depth.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 switch offers a muted experience, perfect for maintaining a quiet work environment without sacrificing the satisfying tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a neutral sound profile with a unique chirpy characteristic, adding a subtle flair to your typing experience. Depending on your preference, both switches offer a pleasant sound profile suitable for different preferences, ensuring that you can enjoy your typing without causing disruptions.
Moving on to feel, the Akko Fairy switch provides a polished and subtle typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction. With a mild feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, these switches offer a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red switch presents a silky and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches fall under the category of mild feel, making them accessible to most users and providing a comfortable typing experience that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy and Gateron Ink Red switches offer slightly different sound profiles and feelings, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the muted and polished feel of the Fairy switch or the neutral yet chirpy sound of the Ink Red switch, both options cater to different preferences while ensuring a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you plan to use them. Whichever option you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that aligns with your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should choose the Akko Fairy linear switch if you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience in a quiet office environment. The medium weight and refined factory lubrication make them ideal for daily professional tasks without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is perfect for those with a lighter typing style, as it offers a lower actuation force and a satisfyingly smooth typing feel with a crispy and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile, with the Fairy being more subdued and polished, while the Ink Red offers a slightly chirpy and silky feel. Choose based on what suits your typing style and environment best.
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