Akko Fairy vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Jerrzi Orange both offer unique qualities to consider. The Akko Fairy is a linear switch that is perfect for office settings, providing a refined and smooth typing experience with its factory-applied lubrication. Its medium weight strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making it ideal for extended daily use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange is also a linear switch known for its clacky and lightweight feel, offering a crisp and audible feedback with each keystroke for a vibrant typing experience. While the Fairy is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Orange is characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, subdued, and clacky. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Jerrzi Orange are quite different in terms of sound profile. The Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast highlights how different materials can significantly impact the sound experience of using a switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Orange use nylon. This means that the typing experience on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite the difference in the top housing material, the consistent use of nylon at the bottom ensures a similar sound experience when pressing down on the keys for both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Fairy's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, the Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound. The distinction between the two materials highlights the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound characteristics. Whether using nylon or polycarbonate, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Orange linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams of force while the Orange's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Fairy switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the Orange switch offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler typing feel. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Fairy being more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, and the Orange being better for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Fairy has the shorter travel distance compared to the Orange. The Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the Orange's 3.7 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular today, catering to different preferences based on individual typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial keypress 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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 known for its muted and neutral characteristics. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making them ideal for office settings where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch offers a more subdued and clacky sound profile. This means that the Orange switches produce a dampened yet sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a more lively and vibrant typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate audible feedback. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. The switches have a smooth and refined finish due to factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes them comfortable for extended use, perfect for daily professional tasks with their gentle resistance and approachable qualities. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press feel. These switches are exceptionally light to press, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. They offer a responsive and low-impact typing experience suitable for gaming, school, or work.
In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy and Jerrzi Orange linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both provide a satisfying typing experience suited for different preferences. The Fairy switches excel in providing a quieter and more comfortable typing experience for office settings, while the Orange switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a more lively and responsive typing experience with audible feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience with medium weight and a muted sound profile, the Fairy switch would be a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and responsive typing feel with a lightweight actuation force and a clacky sound, the Orange switch may be more to your liking, especially if you are an enthusiast looking for a vibrant typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them.
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