Akko Fairy vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Keygeek Keylin present intriguing options within the linear category, each tailored to distinct user preferences and environments. The Akko Fairy switches are particularly well-suited for office settings, boasting a refined, factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth and muted typing experience. Their medium weight offers a satisfying resistance that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions, making them an excellent choice for professionals who value both comfort and a quieter workspace. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin switches utilize new molds designed to provide a luxurious typing sensation, featuring rich acoustics and smooth operation that appeal to enthusiasts seeking an elevated tactile experience. While the Fairy excels in promoting a serene and comfortable atmosphere, the Keylin offers an engaging and premium feel for those who prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the Keygeek Keylin keyboards are both equipped with top and bottom housings made from nylon, a material known for its characteristic acoustic properties. Each switch’s nylon construction is lauded for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's inherent softness. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less harsh auditory experience when keys are pressed. Consequently, both keyboards promise similar auditory results: the pleasant, muffled acoustic feedback that users often seek in mechanical switches, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Both keyboards utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which leads to uniformity in the sound and feel of typing. The nylon material contributes to a cohesive interaction throughout the key actuation phases. Although the typing experience on the Akko Fairy and Keygeek Keylin remains consistent thanks to the identical housing material, the nuanced differences in design, switch components, or other design elements may still influence user interaction. However, since both keyboards rely on the properties of nylon for their core sound characteristics, any differences in performance will largely stem from other factors, rather than from the materials of the housings themselves.
One interesting aspect of nylon's role is its distribution of sound qualities between the top and bottom housings. While both keyboards feature the same material, the acoustic impact when keys are pressed and released will still vary depending on the specific switch design. The bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing significantly affects the release sound. Therefore, despite the shared material, any differences in sound profiles or feedback experienced by users can still arise from variations in the mechanical switch designs used in the Akko Fairy and the Keygeek Keylin, ensuring a unique yet similarly enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Akko Fairy switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a medium resistance that some users may appreciate for the more substantial feel it delivers. In contrast, the Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, for users who favor a lighter keystroke and less strain on the fingers, the Keygeek Keylin is the better option, while the Akko Fairy will appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Overall, the Akko Fairy is heavier, and the Keygeek Keylin is lighter, making them suited for different typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the Fairy features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Fairy switch may provide a more responsive experience, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Keylin's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper sensation when typing. Ultimately, if you're aiming for quicker response times, the Fairy would be the better choice, whereas the Keylin would be more suitable for those who appreciate a greater activation 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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The sound produced by the Akko Fairy linear switch is characterized by its muted and neutral profile. This shift minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for office environments where a quieter typing experience is desired. The Fairy's sound is pleasant and unobtrusive, allowing for focused work without the distraction of clacky keys. The specific sound quality of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remains unknown, but their premium typing experience is noted to have rich acoustics, which could suggest a contrasting, more resonant sound when compared to the Fairy. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch excels with a polished surface that allows for a refined and smooth typing experience. The medium weight of the switch provides a balanced resistance, which eliminates fatigue during prolonged use, making it ideal for everyday tasks. Additionally, the Fairy's mild and subtle characteristics offer an approachable experience, striking a middle ground that appeals to both beginners and seasoned typists. There is no specific information available about the feel of the Keylin linear switch, which leaves it uncertain how it might compare to the distinct qualities of the Fairy.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch presents a strong option for those who prioritize a muted sound and a smooth feel, especially in collaborative or professional environments. While the exact qualities of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remain unspecified, its reputation for rich acoustics hints that it may provide a different auditory experience while still delivering a premium typing experience. Ultimately, if you choose the Fairy, you can expect a quiet, comfortable typing experience, while the Keylin could offer a more resonant sound and potentially different tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Akko Fairy linear switches and Keygeek Keylin linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you work in an office or a shared space and prioritize a quieter, polished typing experience, the Akko Fairy switch would be your best bet. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams strikes a fine balance, providing enough resistance to prevent miskeypresses while offering the comfort needed for extended typing sessions. The muted and neutral sound profile makes it an excellent choice for minimizing distractions around you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more tactile and premium experience with a lighter touch, the Keylin switch may be more suited for your preferences, especially if you enjoy an engaging typing experience without the added weight. While Keylin didn’t have extensive sound descriptors listed, if you seek a richer acoustic experience and enhanced smoothness, you might find these switches more satisfying for gaming or everyday typing at home. Ultimately, consideration of your environment and personal typing style will guide your choice between these two excellent linear switches.
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