Akko Fairy vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy and SP-Star Meteor White are both linear switches that offer unique benefits for different preferences and needs. The Fairy switches from Akko are perfect for office environments with their factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth typing experience that is both quiet and comfortable for extended periods of use. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is known for its gentle and subdued feel, making it easy to push and creating a soft, gentle sound profile. While the Fairy switch is categorized as polished, muted, and mild, the Meteor White switch falls into the neutral, mild, and thocky categories. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics to consider, but ultimately the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the SP-Star Meteor White are both made of nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both keyboards offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality, with the nylon top and bottom housings working together to create a cohesive typing experience.
While both the Fairy and the Meteor White keyboards have nylon top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing material varies in terms of sound production. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. This means that users may notice subtle differences in sound and feel between the two keyboards, despite both utilizing nylon as the housing material. However, overall, the typing experience on both keyboards is likely to be quite similar due to the shared use of nylon in their construction.
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the SP-Star Meteor White, it is evident that both keyboards prioritize sound quality through the use of nylon. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more pleasant typing experience for users. While there may be slight differences in sound production due to the placement of the housing materials within the switch, the overall result is likely to be comparable between the two keyboards. Ultimately, whether typing on the Fairy or the Meteor White, users can expect a satisfying sound and feel thanks to the nylon housing materials utilized in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the Fairy switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Meteor White switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White switch requires 57 grams, while the Fairy switch demands 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, with the Meteor White being slightly lighter than the Fairy. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Meteor White switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a slightly heavier typing experience may opt for the Fairy switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Fairy's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Meteor White's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Fairy providing a quicker and more responsive feel, and the Meteor White offering a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, both the Akko Fairy and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for various environments, whether it be at home or in the office. The Fairy switch is described as producing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular switches, while the Meteor White switch has a thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, both switches provide a polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Fairy switch is described as having a mild and subtle typing feel, with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of both switches contributes to their overall sleek typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a comfortable and quiet typing experience ideal for office settings. Their refined finishes and factory-lubricated components contribute to smooth key travel and reduced friction, making them suitable for prolonged use. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience, with the choice between them ultimately coming down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings, offers a smooth typing experience with medium weight for satisfying presses without causing fatigue, and has a muted sound profile, then the Akko Fairy linear switch would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, easy-to-push switch with a soft sound profile that is suitable for shared spaces, then the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and intended usage.
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