Akko Fairy vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, both offer a medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying resistance and comfort for extended use. The Akko Fairy is ideal for office settings with its factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience, making it conducive to a quieter workspace and daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy offers a unique typing experience with its glittery nylon housings, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying feel. While the Fairy is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', the Jammy falls under a different category. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the HMX Jammy are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material. Both keyboards are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced and the overall feel of the keys due to their shared nylon housing material.
However, despite sharing the same nylon housing material, subtle differences may still exist between the Akko Fairy and the HMX Jammy. For instance, the way in which the nylon is molded and the specific design of each keyboard may slightly impact the sound and feel of typing on the switches. The Fairy and the Jammy may have different bottom housings, which can affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, as well as the top housings, which can influence the sound when releasing a key. These nuances in the housing materials can contribute to slight variations in typing experience between the two keyboards.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the Akko Fairy and the HMX Jammy ensures a consistent and reliable typing experience characterized by a deep and full sound profile. While there may be minor differences between the two keyboards in terms of bottom and top housing, the shared use of nylon as the primary housing material means that users can expect similar results in terms of sound, feel, and overall performance when typing on either the Fairy or the Jammy. Ultimately, the choice between the two keyboards may come down to personal preference in terms of design, features, and aesthetics rather than a significant difference in typing experience based on housing materials alone.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch both fall within the medium range when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Fairy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making it a touch easier to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, the Fairy also has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Jammy's 63 grams, indicating that it requires less force to press all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Fairy may be the preferred choice, while the Jammy offers a slightly firmer and more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback, making them suitable for a variety of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a slightly shorter option compared to the HMX Jammy linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Fairy switch may be preferred by those looking for a quicker keypress, while the Jammy switch could appeal to users who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to 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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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 it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch is praised for its muted and neutral characteristics, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the HMX Jammy linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard. However, based on the descriptions provided, it can be inferred that both switches offer a subtle and non-intrusive sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces or office environments.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a comfortable key travel. In contrast, no specific information is available regarding the feel of the HMX Jammy linear switch. Nevertheless, based on the characteristics of the Akko Fairy switch, it can be assumed that the Jammy switch also offers a comparable level of typing comfort and satisfaction.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its refined lubrication, medium weight, muted sound, and polished feel, making it an ideal choice for professional environments where comfort and quietness are essential. While information on the HMX Jammy linear switch is limited, it can be inferred that both switches offer a similar level of typing satisfaction and comfort. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics and branding.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, you should consider the environment in which you'll be using them. If you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience for long hours in a professional setting, the Akko Fairy switch with its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, glittery feel that still maintains a muted sound profile, the HMX Jammy switch with its nylon housings and slightly higher bottom out force could be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience.
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