Akko Fairy vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer gamers and typists distinct experiences, each with unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy stands out as an excellent choice for office environments, featuring factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth, muted typing experience. With a medium weight, these switches strike a balance that minimizes fatigue while enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 appeals to those who crave auditory feedback, with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that delivers a thrilling experience. Additionally, its innovative light diffuser not only enhances RGB illumination but also adds a vibrant flair to any keyboard setup. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a subtle and refined feel like that of the Fairy or the lively and engaging sound of the Lightning Silver V3, both switches have their merits. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experiences. The Fairy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is noted for its softer texture and sound-absorbing properties. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a typing experience that many users describe as warmer and more muted. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity and clear sound transmission. The result is a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates crisply when typing. Therefore, while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, the Fairy's nylon construction contributes to a softer sound, whereas the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate offers a more pronounced and vibrant audio profile.
When examining the impact of the bottom housing materials, the differences become even more pronounced. The Fairy's nylon bottom housing reinforces the overall depth and dullness of sound, emphasizing a rounded typing experience that aligns with the switch's design ethos. This enhances the cushioned feel that many typists find comforting and appealing. In sharp contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing allows for a clear and resonant bottom-out sound that creates an engaging and lively feedback response as one types. Although both switches feature different materials at the bottom, the choice of nylon creates a muted experience for the Fairy, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more intense auditory stimulus upon keypress.
Despite these differences, there is a common thread between both switches, as the distinct housing materials contribute differently to the overall acoustic profile and tactile feedback. In scenarios where users seek to achieve similar typing results, both switches can support customization with different keycap profiles and dampeners. By selecting compatible keycaps that enhance or muffle sound or incorporating additional dampening materials or mods for either switch, users can fine-tune their typing experience, effectively blending aspects of both nylon's warmth and polycarbonate's crispness. Thus, although the fundamental housing materials differ considerably, similar results can be achieved through careful selection and personalization.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we see some interesting differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Fairy switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that for typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch, the Everglide switch may be more appealing as it requires less force to actuate. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that they provide a consistent keystroke experience when pressed fully down. Therefore, while the Akko Fairy is the heavier option due to its higher actuation force, both switches exhibit a medium bottom out force which can cater to users desiring a balanced key feel. If a user seeks a typing experience with less effort, the Lightning Silver V3 is the advantageous choice, while the Fairy may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial pressing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Akko Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is marginally longer. This means that users who prefer quicker response times might lean towards the Fairy, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate faster actuation. However, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth while typing may find the additional millimeter of the Lightning Silver V3 to be more comfortable. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Akko Fairy being ideal for speed, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly deeper feel.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 delivers a muted and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for office environments where a quieter workspace is desired. With its softer and quieter acoustics, the Fairy minimizes the mechanical clatter typically associated with keyboards, ensuring that your typing won’t disrupt those around you. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 presents a strikingly different auditory experience. Known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound signature that adds a dynamic auditory engagement to your typing. Should you prefer an environment filled with richer sound, the Lightning Silver V3 certainly provides a more expressive noise, perfect for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Fairy switches stand out for their polished and mild characteristics. The factory-applied lubrication results in a smooth and refined surface that ensures a sleek typing experience, reducing friction and enhancing key travel comfort. This mild responsiveness makes the Fairy approachable for all users, even those with less experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky feel, where the typing experience is exceptionally smooth with minimal resistance when pressing or releasing the keys. While both switches provide a pleasant experience, the key difference lies in the subtle nature of the Fairy's feel compared to the seamless elegance of the Lightning Silver V3.
In summary, the Akko Fairy and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Fairy’s muted sound and polished feel make it ideal for professional settings, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more vibrant auditory and tactile experience, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your specific setting and personal preference for sound and feel, with each switch delivering a unique typing pleasure.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in an office or shared environment where a quieter and subtler typing sound is essential, the Akko Fairy switch would be an excellent selection. Its refined lubrication ensures a polished feel, perfect for prolonged typing without causing fatigue, making your work environment more comfortable and conducive to productivity. On the other hand, if you value a more vibrant and expressive typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will likely be your go-to. With its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, this switch is well-suited for creating an engaging atmosphere, especially if you often showcase customizable RGB lighting on your keyboard. Additionally, its silky smooth feel may appeal to those who enjoy a seamless typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a keyboard switch are most important to you—whether it's a quieter, polished touch for work or a lively, exciting feel for gaming and personal setups—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
