Akko Fairy vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko Fairy and the HMX Lotus, both known for their linear switches. The Akko Fairy switches are ideal for office settings, featuring factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and a medium weight that strikes the perfect balance between resistance and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches offer a bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound that adds enjoyment to every keystroke. While the Fairy switches are polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Lotus switches are characterized by their medium weight of 50g bottom out. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko Fairy and the HMX Lotus utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic of nylon ultimately produces a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both keyboards.
While both keyboards feature nylon as their housing material, the Fairy and the Lotus may differ in terms of the specific design and construction of their housings. It is important to note that even though they share the same material, the structure and shape of the housing can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, slight variations in the design of the top and bottom housings of each keyboard could result in subtle differences in the typing experience for users.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material in both the Akko Fairy and the HMX Lotus ensures a consistent and high-quality typing experience for users. The deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon provides adds a unique touch to the overall typing experience, making both keyboards stand out in terms of their acoustics and feel. Whether it is the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, or the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either keyboard thanks to the use of nylon in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Fairy is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Fairy provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it preferable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Lotus is lighter, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the HMX Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on a key compared to the Akko Fairy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the depth and responsiveness of the switch.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral experience, perfect for maintaining a quiet workspace while still providing a satisfying typing sound. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch is not described in the provided information, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound qualities. However, considering the Fairy's muted profile, it is likely that the Lotus may have a brighter and more resonant sound based on the information provided on its bouncy feeling sensation.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, with smooth key travel and gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. This aligns perfectly with its suitability for professional settings where comfort is key. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided, making it challenging to compare the two switches directly in this aspect.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy is well-suited for office settings with its quiet yet satisfying sound and comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Lotus seems to provide a more bouncy typing experience with a potentially brighter and more resonant sound. While both switches may offer different subjective qualities, it is essential to consider personal preferences and the intended use case when choosing between them. Ultimately, selecting either switch will likely result in a pleasant typing experience, tailored to individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the HMX Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch that is suitable for office settings, offers a balanced typing experience with medium resistance, and provides a quieter workspace, then the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, enjoy a bright and resonant sound while typing, and seek a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke, then the HMX Lotus linear switch would be more aligned with your preferences. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, so consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that best caters to your typing style and overall preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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