Akko Fairy vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Kailh BCP both stand out as excellent linear options, each catering to distinct user preferences. The Akko Fairy switches are celebrated for their smooth and muted typing experience, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication, making them particularly suitable for office environments where quiet operation is paramount. Their medium weight offers an ideal balance that promotes comfortable typing during long sessions, aligning perfectly with professional needs. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switches embody a playful rebirth of the classic Black Cherry Pie design, featuring a uniquely creamy, elastic feel that provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While they deliver a poppy and clacky sound profile that some may find enjoyable, this can be less suited for quieter settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to the specific environment and typing experience you desire. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Kailh BCP keyboards are strikingly similar, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This similarity guarantees that users will enjoy a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. The choice of nylon is significant; being a relatively softer plastic compared to harder alternatives, it provides excellent sound absorption capabilities. Consequently, both switches contribute to a softer and more rounded acoustic experience, which is especially appealing for users looking for a quieter and more muted typing sound.
Despite the identical housing materials, the overall acoustic profile of the switches may vary based on other aspects like switch design and the type of keycap used. If either the Fairy or the BCP features a unique switch mechanism or different actuation points, this distinction might affect the tactile feedback and sound characteristics. However, since both switches share the same nylon housing, any inherent sonic qualities attributed to the material will remain consistent, ensuring that users will experience a similarly pleasant sound profile regardless of which switch they choose.
When examining the impact of housing materials on typing feel, the consistent use of nylon in both the Akko Fairy and Kailh BCP means that comparable sound and tactile characteristics will emerge. As the bottom housing plays a more crucial role in delivering the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect similarly muted bottoming-out results from both switches. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing the keys. Thus, the close alignment in switch construction and material choice suggests that, although individual switches may have different nuances in performance, users will achieve consistently satisfying acoustic outcomes from either model.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the BCP switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Akko Fairy switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Kailh BCP, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Ultimately, while both switches are categorized as medium to medium-heavy in feel, the Akko Fairy switch provides a lighter touch compared to the heavier Kailh BCP switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Akko Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kailh BCP offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Fairy the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer for quick actions. On the other hand, the BCP, with its greater distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial press, making the typing experience feel more grounded. Both options cater to different preferences, with the shorter distance favoring speed and the longer distance appealing to tactile depth.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Akko Fairy and Kailh BCP linear switches, the acoustic characteristics diverge significantly. The Fairy switches are known for their muted and neutral sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them particularly well-suited for office settings, where a peaceful environment is paramount. In contrast, while specific sound descriptors for the BCP switches are not provided, their design is intended to deliver a more pronounced auditory feedback that veers towards a poppy and clacky sound profile, likely creating a more noticeable auditory presence during typing. The sound experience can be further influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but fundamentally, users can expect the BCP to be noisier than the Fairy.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches excel with their polished, mild, and subtle characteristics. The factory-applied lubrication ensures a buttery smooth keystroke, reducing friction and enhancing the typing experience, while the medium weight strikes a balance that avoids fatigue during extended use. This refined feel makes the Fairy switch approachable for newcomers and comfortable for prolonged office typing. On the other hand, the feel of the BCP switches is not elaborated upon in detail, but the mention of their creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy texture suggests a more dynamic typing experience characterized by feedback that could provide a sense of springiness and springy action, differentiating it from the smoother, more understated feel of the Fairies.
In summary, both the Akko Fairy and Kailh BCP linear switches cater to different user preferences. If you seek a quieter, smoother, and more subdued typing experience, the Fairy is the optimal choice, ideal for work environments. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback and a potentially bouncier feel, the BCP switches could be more to your liking. While the sound and feel vary notably, understanding these qualities can help you make a more informed decision based on your typing habits and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences in a typing experience. If you’re looking for a switch that excels in an office environment or shared workspace, the Akko Fairy is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and polished feel that promotes a smooth and refined typing experience. The medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance that allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing feel with a bit of character, the Kailh BCP linear switch could be the way to go. Its custom-molded design delivers a bouncy, elastic feel and a poppy sound profile that can make typing feel lively and interactive. Additionally, the 63.5 grams of bottom-out force provides a slightly heavier resistance, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feedback during their keystrokes. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether your priority is a smooth and quiet operation for professional or casual settings or a more enthusiastic typing experience that might cater to gaming or personal use.
Mentioned in this article
