Akko Fairy vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Akko Fairy and the Gateron North Pole V2, both of which are linear switches. The Akko Fairy stands out for its refined lubrication that guarantees a smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office settings where a quiet workspace is essential. With a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches are ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 offers a gummy and creamy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile experience. While the Fairy switches are known for their polished, muted, and mild characteristics, the North Pole V2 is described as gummy, creamy, and subdued. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing material of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material properties. The Fairy's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound because of its stiffness, providing a more clear and resonant sound experience. While the Fairy's nylon housing may be preferred for a quieter typing experience, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing may appeal to those who enjoy a more defined and vibrant sound.
Both switches share the characteristic of using transparent materials for their housing, with the North Pole V2's clear polycarbonate giving it an aesthetic advantage for users looking to showcase RGB lighting effects. However, the Fairy's opaque nylon housing may offer a more classic look and feel. Despite this visual difference, both housing materials provide unique auditory experiences, with nylon emphasizing a softer and fuller sound while polycarbonate emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the material properties of each housing will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing typically affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can lead to a more nuanced typing experience, allowing users to appreciate the unique characteristics of each material in different aspects of typing. Whether it's the softer absorption of sound in nylon or the sharper resonance of polycarbonate, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a switch.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams while the North Pole V2 needs 65 grams, making the North Pole V2 the heavier of the two switches. This means that the North Pole V2 will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Fairy may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall keyfeel.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Fairy switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the North Pole V2 switch. The shorter travel distance of the Fairy switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the North Pole V2 switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feedback.
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 North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral experience, producing a softer and quieter sound that is suitable for office environments and daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a subdued sound profile, giving off a dampened tone that is still satisfying to the ears. Both switches aim to minimize noise, making them suitable for shared spaces or quiet work environments. The choice of keyboard board and keycaps can further affect the sound produced by the switches, so it is essential to consider the overall setup when choosing between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. This results in comfortable and quiet typing sessions, perfect for extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its gummy and creamy feel, providing a unique and buttery typing experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The switches also have a bouncy and polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for optimal typing comfort.
Overall, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. While the Fairy switch excels in providing a quieter and more balanced typing experience suitable for office settings, the North Pole V2 switch stands out with its gummy and creamy typing feel that offers a unique sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches guarantee a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are a few key factors to take into account. If you prioritize a smoother, quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Akko Fairy switch may be the better option for you, especially if you work in an office setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a unique, gummy feel and a subdued sound profile, then the Gateron North Pole V2 switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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