Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, both offer a smooth typing experience with medium actuation force. The Fairy switches are ideal for office settings due to their refined lubrication and comfortable weight that strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and extended use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switches provide a seamless, consistent typing experience with a single-stage spring and high-precision molds, perfect for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation. 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
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
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
In terms of housing materials, the Akko Fairy uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Gateron Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Red produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate housing of the Jupiter Red allows for RGB lighting effects, which can add a unique visual element to the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Red offer a similar typing experience with their use of nylon in either the top or bottom housing. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in sound profile showcases the versatility and effectiveness of nylon as a classic switch housing material. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Red's top housing brings a different dimension to the typing experience, with a sharper and more resonant sound profile that sets it apart from the Fairy in terms of sound clarity.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. As such, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Akko Fairy and Gateron Jupiter Red respectively offers a well-rounded typing experience that showcases the unique characteristics of each housing material in different aspects of typing and sound production.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure required to fully depress the key. However, the Akko Fairy switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red switch's 45 grams, making the Fairy switch slightly heavier in terms of initial keystroke activation. This subtle difference in actuation force may provide a slightly more tactile feel when typing on the Akko Fairy switch, while the Gateron Jupiter Red switch may offer a slightly lighter touch during initial keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Fairy's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Jupiter Red's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of commonly used travel distances, with the Fairy being on the shorter end and the Jupiter Red being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, both the Akko Fairy and Gateron Jupiter Red switches fall into the neutral category. This means that they offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or in a professional environment. However, the Fairy switch is described as producing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to a regular switch, making it ideal for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red is known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhancing the overall typing experience with a consistent and seamless sound.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as having a polished finish, which results in a smooth and refined typing experience. The Fairy switch is also characterized as offering a mild and subtle resistance, providing a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Jupiter Red switch is described as creamy and silky, offering a buttery smooth typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Additionally, both switches fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy and Gateron Jupiter Red switches provide a smooth and polished typing experience with a moderate sound profile. While the Fairy switch is best suited for office settings due to its muted sound and comfortable resistance, the Jupiter Red switch offers a high-precision typing experience with creamy and silky smoothness. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, you should factor in your environment and typing preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience with a medium-weight touch, the Fairy switches from Akko would be the ideal choice, especially for office settings where comfort and minimal noise are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, consistent keystroke with a slightly heavier actuation force and enjoy softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a refined, balanced typing experience (Fairy) or a seamless, high-precision keystroke (Jupiter Red).
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