Akko Fairy vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the KTT Kang White both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy stands out for its refined, factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are perfect for extended use without causing fatigue, making them well-suited for daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White is praised for its exquisite poppy linear switch design that delivers a dazzling typing sound. The self-lubricating material of the Kang White ensures unparalleled smoothness during typing sessions. While the Fairy switch is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Kang White switch is classified as low-pitched and neutral. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the KTT Kang White switches offer contrasting characteristics. The Fairy features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate 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. While both materials serve as classic switch housing options, they differ in the sound profiles they produce.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Fairy and the Kang White switches use nylon. This choice creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the nylon top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the similarity in bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary due to the differences in their top housing materials. The sound and feel when pressing down on the switches will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing, highlighting the importance of housing material selection in switch design.
In conclusion, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Akko Fairy and the KTT Kang White can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. The softer nylon housing of the Fairy creates a deeper sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Kang White produces a sharper sound. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch both fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Kang White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Kang White is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Fairy. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Kang White, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Fairy. However, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their relatively close force specifications. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance compared to the Kang White. The Fairy's 3.3 mm distance is suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers, while the Kang White's 4 mm distance provides a deeper and more substantial keypress. Both options offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences. If you enjoy a shorter and more responsive feel, the Fairy would be the ideal choice. In contrast, if you appreciate a longer and more pronounced keypress, the Kang White would be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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 offers a muted and neutral typing experience, perfect for creating a quiet and comfortable work environment without sacrificing tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a more soothing and bass-heavy typing sound. Both switches align with the moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various users and purposes, whether at home or in a professional setting.
Moving to the feel, the Akko Fairy switch boasts a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience due to its factory-applied lubrication, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. This switch strikes a balance between a satisfying press and gentle resistance, catering to users looking for a comfortable and approachable typing feel. While information on the feel of the KTT Kang White linear switch is not provided, it can be assumed that its self-lubricating material contributes to a similarly smooth typing experience, aligning with the overall quality of the Fairy switch.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy and KTT Kang White linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and needs. The Fairy switch excels in providing a muted and polished typing experience suitable for professional environments, while the Kang White switch stands out with its low-pitched and self-lubricating properties, offering a more dazzling sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience ideal for office settings, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a great choice for you. The medium weight and factory-applied lubrication make it a quiet and satisfying option for extended use. On the other hand, if you appreciate a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, the KTT Kang White linear switch with its self-lubricating material would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a polished feel (Akko Fairy) or a more distinctive sound profile with smoothness (KTT Kang White). Both switches offer medium bottom out force and versatility, so consider your personal preferences when making your choice.
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