Akko Fairy vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Cherry MX Purple RGB offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Akko Fairy switch is a linear option renowned for its smooth typing experience, thanks to factory-applied lubrication that minimizes friction and noise. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments, where a quieter keyboard can enhance productivity and comfort during long hours of typing. Its medium weight provides a satisfying balance of resistance, preventing finger fatigue while maintaining a fluid motion. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch shines with its tactile feedback, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that adds a satisfying sensation on each keystroke. This tactile experience appeals to those who enjoy a more interactive and engaging typing feel, making it a great choice for gamers and typists seeking precision. While both switches excel in their respects, they cater to different needs and environments. 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
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Akko Fairy and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are made of nylon, a material known for its distinctive acoustic properties and tactile feel. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which means they share similar fundamental characteristics in terms of sound profile and performance. The nylon's softer quality allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, with a duller and rounder acoustic signature. This shared material choice underpins a consistent auditory experience across both switch types, appealing to users who prioritize smooth and pleasant acoustic feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
While the top and bottom housings of the Akko Fairy and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are both constructed from nylon, the impact of each housing on typing experience can differ based on its position within the overall switch design. The bottom housing generally contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound profile released when a key is released. Because both switches use nylon for each component, an individual will experience a similarly dampened sound profile regardless of the housing's position. This uniformity in materials enhances the predictability of each switch's performance, providing users with a coherent feel whether pressing down or releasing the keys.
Though both the Akko Fairy and the Cherry MX Purple RGB boast the same housing materials, the perceived differences in feel or performance could arise from other elements such as the switch design or actuation mechanism. The nylon down to the core ensures that both types of switches maintain a rich sound experience, but subtle nuances in the overall design might lead users to prefer one over the other. Ultimately, users can expect a notably consistent typing experience driven by the nylon housings, yet their choice might come down to the unique features and characteristics each switch offers beyond just the materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces come to light. The Akko Fairy features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that while the Fairy requires a bit more effort to press down, it provides a more definitive feel when bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter feel of the MX Purple RGB could be an advantage for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience over prolonged use. Therefore, for users who appreciate a heavier, more substantial keystroke, the Akko Fairy is the better choice, while those who prefer a lighter switch might lean towards the Cherry MX, despite the uncertainty regarding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Akko Fairy stands out with a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Akko Fairy provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may offer quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prefer fast actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple, with its more traditional 4.0 mm distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more robust feel when pressing down on keys, providing a less abrupt experience. Therefore, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Akko Fairy is the better option, while the Cherry MX Purple caters to those who enjoy deeper key presses.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 is characterized by its muted and neutral profile. This means it produces a softer, quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be a concern. The Fairy's sound design embodies a gentle approach, facilitating focused work without unnecessary distractions. On the other hand, specific sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch are not provided, indicating that any sound outcomes could vary widely depending on the particular build and components used, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. The absence of details suggests that the Cherry MX Purple may not have distinct auditory traits that can easily be compared to the Fairy’s quieter operation.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches offer a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. Their factory-applied lubrication enhances the smoothness of each keypress, reducing friction and ensuring elegant key travel. With a mild tactile response, these switches are approachable for a wide range of users and do not overwhelm with strong feedback, making them comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. However, the tactile experience of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches is not elaborated upon here, leaving us with limited information to determine how they might stand in comparison. The specifics about the Cherry MX Purple’s feel—potentially robust and tactile due to its collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts—are absent, which makes any direct comparison to the refined smoothness of the Fairy challenging.
In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy linear switches present a clear advantage in sound profile and tactile experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous. The Fairy's muted, neutral sound and polished, subtle feel make them a well-rounded and user-friendly choice for professional environments. If the MX Purple switches deliver a more tactile response, they would cater to different preferences, appealing to users who might enjoy a pronounced feedback sensation. Ultimately, if users are looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Akko Fairy switches are the clear front-runner, while the Cherry MX Purple may still provide enjoyable performance, albeit with less clarity on their auditory and tactile properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and usage environment. If you are often working in an office or shared space where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, the Akko Fairy switch is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force provides a smooth typing experience enriched by refined lubrication, which not only enhances comfort during long typing sessions but also ensures that your keyboard is discreet. The muted sound profile contributes to a quieter atmosphere, making it suitable for professional environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback in your typing and prefer a switch that adds a bit of character to your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch would be a better fit. Its tactile bump is designed to provide satisfying feedback, catering well to users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most essential for you: whether you prioritize a smooth and quiet interface for work or seek a satisfying tactile sensation for more personal or gaming use.
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