Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth typing experience and ideal for office settings due to its factory-applied lubrication. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are perfect for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, boasts high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making it stand out for its consistent feel and strong return. While the Fairy switch offers a polished, muted, and mild typing experience, the Jupiter Banana switch provides a polished, high-pitched, and creamy tactile feedback. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Fairy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the keyboard. Despite these differences, both materials play a crucial role in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana are both composed of nylon. This classic switch housing material enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the bottom housing may have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the combination of nylon top and bottom housings ensures a consistent and cohesive typing experience across both switches. The similarities in bottom housing material contribute to a familiar typing experience, regardless of the specific characteristics of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The top housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sharpness and crispness of the sound produced, with nylon and polycarbonate offering distinct sonic characteristics. Meanwhile, the bottom housing material contributes to the overall depth and fullness of the sound profile, creating a more rounded typing experience. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in the typing experience, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams while the Jupiter Banana needs 69 grams, making the Fairy lighter overall. The Fairy provides a smoother typing experience with a medium actuation force and bottom out force, ideal for those looking for a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana offers a slightly heavier feel with a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, suitable for users who prefer a more substantial push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quick response times. However, the Fairy offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. For those looking for a more abrupt and responsive keypress, the Fairy may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feeling of depth for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and overall 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 Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, making it a suitable choice for quieter office environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, which can provide a more crisp and immersive auditory experience for those who prefer a sharper sound profile. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The Fairy switch is further characterized as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing feel that is comfortable for extended use, while the Jupiter Banana switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switch is ideal for a quiet office setting with its muted sound and comfortable typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana switch caters to those who prefer a sharper sound profile and a buttery smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences and the environment in which they will be used, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. Whether you choose the Fairy or Jupiter Banana switch, you can expect a high-quality and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment and preferences. If you work in an office setting and prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience with medium weight and a muted sound profile, the Akko Fairy switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a slightly heavier bottom out force with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing style and environment.
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