Akko Fairy vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between options can greatly enhance your typing experience. The Akko Fairy switches excel in office environments, thanks to their refined, factory-applied lubrication, which provides a smooth and muted typing experience that minimizes noise—a crucial feature for maintaining a professional atmosphere. Their medium weight offers just the right amount of resistance for users seeking comfort during long typing sessions without inducing fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches deliver a distinct auditory experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, making them a favorite for those who appreciate tactile feedback along with a satisfying "thud" sound on each keystroke. Weighing in at a lightweight 42g actuation force, the Jelly switches are particularly well-suited for users who prefer a less physically demanding typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages—be it the muted professionalism of the Fairy or the engaging sound profile of the Jelly—but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the HMX Jelly, it becomes evident that both switches share the same foundational element: nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for its unique acoustic properties, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon used in both the top and bottom housings of the Fairy and Jelly accommodates a softer touch, absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared characteristic results in a rounder and duller acoustic signature, making both options appealing for users seeking a quieter typing experience.
Despite the resemblance in material, one can consider how the distribution of the properties of nylon can influence the overall sound and feel of each switch. If the Akko Fairy and HMX Jelly had differing top and bottom housings, their performance could vary in subtle ways. Typically, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing contributes more to the auditory feedback upon key release. However, since both the Fairy and Jelly utilize nylon for both component housings, the impact of sound dampening and tactile feedback will remain consistent across different key presses in each switch.
Ultimately, the similarities in material composition of the Akko Fairy and HMX Jelly lead to comparable typing experiences. By employing the same nylon in both the top and bottom housings, both switches are likely to produce remarkably similar sound profiles and tactile sensations. Users can expect consistent performance and acoustic qualities, making either switch a viable choice for those in search of a soft and sound-absorbing typing experience. Therefore, regardless of any nuanced differences, the use of nylon in both switches ensures they yield comparable results in terms of both sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy switch requires a medium actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Jelly switch is lighter, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lower force makes the Jelly ideal for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, users looking for a softer feel should gravitate towards the HMX Jelly switch, while those who prefer a stronger resistance may find the Akko Fairy more appealing. Overall, the Fairy is the heavier switch, while the Jelly is the lighter option, providing distinct preferences based on personal typing styles and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the differences are clear. The Akko Fairy features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Jelly has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Jelly switch offers a more substantial feel during key presses compared to the Fairy, making it potentially more appealing for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. Conversely, gamers and users who favor faster response times might lean towards the Akko Fairy for its shorter travel distance, which can contribute to quicker actuation. Overall, the Akko Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance makes it the shorter option, while the HMX Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance offers the longer feel for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 switches offer a muted and neutral profile, making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. Their softer acoustics minimize the noise often associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing typists to work without disturbing their colleagues. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches are characterized by a low-pitched, deep sound signature that provides a distinct "thock" upon actuation. This difference in sound clearly positions the Jelly switches as more resonant and potentially more satisfying for those who enjoy that deep sound, while the Fairy switches focus on creating a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Fairy switches excel with their polished texture, providing a smooth and refined typing experience due to their factory-applied lubrication. This results in reduced friction, making each keypress effortlessly smooth. The medium weight of the Fairy switches offers just enough resistance to feel satisfying without leading to fatigue, characterized as mild and subtle in terms of typing experience. Conversely, the Jelly switches are lightweight, featuring a 42g actuation force, which likely leads to a quicker response but may feel different for users accustomed to more resistance. The exact characteristics of the Jelly in terms of tactile feedback are not provided, leaving their specific feel somewhat ambiguous.
In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy and HMX Jelly linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, both aim to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways. The Fairy is ideal for users seeking a refined and quieter keypress, particularly in professional settings, whereas the Jelly appeals to those who favor a more resonant sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, and it’s worth trying both to identify which aligns best with your typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch will largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in an office environment or require a switch that can sustain extended typing sessions without leading to fatigue, the Akko Fairy is the clear winner with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and refined lubrication. This switch's muted sound profile makes it a safe choice for shared spaces, allowing for a polished and mild typing experience that blends easily into professional settings. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch and an engaging sound signature for an immersive typing experience—perhaps for creative tasks or gaming—the HMX Jelly switch might be more suited to your needs. With a bottom-out force of only 48 grams and a unique deep, thocky sound, the Jelly offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience that can be quite satisfying. Ultimately, aligning your switch choice with your environment and typing style will ensure you enjoy your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
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