Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Gateron Mars offer distinct options that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its factory-applied lubrication, ensuring a smooth and seamless typing experience—ideal for office environments where quiet operations are essential. Its medium weight strikes a commendable balance, providing enough resistance for satisfying keystrokes while minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions; this makes it an excellent choice for those engaged in daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches bring innovation with their POK stem design and housing crafted from a durable blend of Nylon and POM, potentially offering unique tactile feedback and durability for enthusiasts who enjoy a responsive typing experience. Although both switches share the linear characteristic that promotes smooth keystrokes, their specific designs and functionalities highlight different strengths. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Mars, the similarities in their top housing stand out significantly. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, which is recognized as a classic material in the mechanical keyboard community. This reliance on nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the softer plastic tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives. The inherent properties of nylon lead to a muted yet rounded auditory experience, which can be particularly appealing to users seeking a quieter keyboard with less acoustic harshness. Therefore, both switches present an opportunity for similar auditory outcomes due to their shared nylon tops, enhancing the overall typing experience with enriched sound.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Mars diverge significantly, yielding different tactile and auditory results. The Fairy employs nylon for its bottom housing, maintaining consistency with its top housing and reinforcing its ability to create a muffled sound profile. This unified nylon structure allows for a more cohesive acoustic experience, as both the top and bottom work together to deliver enhanced sound dampening. Conversely, the Mars features POM for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound experience. While POM is also capable of delivering a deeper sound profile, it introduces subtle differences in feel and sound when key presses bottom out, creating a different overall experience compared to the Fairy.
The impact of the different bottom housing materials is significant when a user interacts with the switches. For the Akko Fairy, the soft nature of nylon in both top and bottom housings means you can expect a unified experience where the sound and feel are aligned and consistent. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars, with its POM bottom housing, while still delivering satisfying results, offers a blend of characteristics that may feel distinct due to the differing materials. This divergence suggests that although both switches can provide quality feedback and sound, the Akko Fairy may prioritize cohesion and consistency in acoustics, while the Gateron Mars stands out for its unique tactile and auditory qualities, reinforcing the complexity and individual nature of mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Akko Fairy requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Mars is lighter at 45 grams. This makes the Mars a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly contrast with the Fairy's bottom out force of 60 grams. The Fairy's medium resistance provides a more substantial feel, which some typists may prefer for a different tactile experience. Overall, if you value a lighter switch feel, the Mars may align better with your preferences, but if you appreciate a more solid typing experience, the Fairy would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Mars features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Fairy switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Mars switch offers a longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a deeper, more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if a user favors a snappier response, the Akko Fairy would be the better choice; however, if they appreciate a greater depth in their key presses, the Gateron Mars would be more suitable.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 subdued sound profile, characterized as both muted and neutral. This means that it produces softer sounds compared to typical mechanical switches, making it ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. The overall sound is discreet, and its moderate sound profile means it can accommodate various settings, whether at home or at work, allowing users to type without disturbing others nearby. On the other hand, there isn't specific sound information provided for the Gateron Mars switch, which leaves its acoustic qualities unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Fairy switch excels with a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. The factory-applied lubrication contributes to a smooth and refined motion, allowing for effortless key presses that are comfortable even during extended typing sessions. The medium weight of the switch balances resistance and ease of actuation, making it approachable for a wide range of users. However, the feel of the Mars switch lacks detailed description, preventing a direct comparison. Thus, the tactile experience of the Mars remains ambiguous, contrasting with the well-defined and enjoyable feel of the Fairy.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy switches shine with their muted sound profile and a polished, mild feel that makes them suitable for long hours of typing, especially in quieter environments. While the sound qualities of the Gateron Mars switches are still unknown, the Fairy's characteristics set a benchmark for pleasant acoustic and tactile experiences. As both switches are linear, they will provide a smoother actuation than tactile or clicky switches, ensuring a similar linear typing experience, but with the Fairy clearly offering a well-rounded advantage for the office setting.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your ultimate choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that provides a smooth and polished typing experience, particularly in an office or shared workspace, the Akko Fairy is your best bet. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and factory lubrication, the Fairy strikes a wonderful balance between comfort and resistance, making it suitable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its muted sound profile ensures that your typing won't disturb others, making it an excellent choice for professional environments. On the other hand, while specific details about the Gateron Mars switch's bottom-out force and sound profile are currently unavailable, its innovative design combining a POK stem with a Nylon and POM housing suggests it might offer unique tactile characteristics that could appeal to enthusiasts seeking a different typing experience. If you're someone who enjoys experimenting with different switch types and aren't as concerned about noise or office suitability, the Mars might intrigue you. Ultimately, consider your environment and your typing preferences to make an informed decision between these two switches.
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