Akko Fairy vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is best suited for office settings with its smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. This switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter workspace and comfortable extended use for daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a delightful combination of features for keyboard enthusiasts with its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump. While the Fairy switch is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. Both switches have their unique advantages and characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing the best switch for your specific 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are quite different in terms of their sound profiles. The Fairy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic construction, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the nylon housing of the Fairy offers a more muffled and softer typing experience compared to the crisper and more resonant typing of the polycarbonate housing on the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches use nylon, resulting in a similar sound profile for the bottom of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches will be consistent across both models. However, the differentiation in top housing materials between the Fairy and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will result in a noticeable contrast in sound profiles when typing on these switches.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches highlight the impact that various plastics can have on sound profiles. While the Fairy's nylon housing provides a softer, more muffled typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate housing offers a crisper, sharper sound profile with a more resonant typing feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Fairy switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the V3 Lavender Purple Pro more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while those seeking a more pronounced push feel may opt for the Fairy switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The Fairy switch would be ideal for individuals who prefer a more responsive keystroke, which is beneficial for activities such as gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch would be better suited for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke with more tactile feedback. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This is suitable for office settings where noise levels need to be minimized. In terms of feel, the Fairy switch offers a polished and mild typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a higher-pitched sound profile and offers a satisfying tactile bump, providing a more pronounced typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, and snappy, giving it a lively and responsive feel while typing. In conclusion, the Fairy linear switch is ideal for a quieter workspace with a smooth typing experience, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch caters to keyboard enthusiasts seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you're looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience ideal for office settings, the Fairy linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 60 grams may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you're a keyboard enthusiast seeking a more tactile and lively typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences and usage scenarios, so choosing between them will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
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