Akko Fairy vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and HMX Perky both stand out as exceptional linear options, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Fairy switches are particularly well-suited for office environments, offering a refined typing experience enhanced by factory-applied lubrication that ensures smooth keystrokes. With a medium weight, they provide a comfortable balance of resistance, making prolonged typing sessions more enjoyable while maintaining a quieter atmosphere. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches boast a softer, glittery nylon housing that delivers a unique blend of neutrality and satisfaction, with a shorter travel distance that promotes a more condensed typing experience. While the Fairy excels in creating a polished and muted workspace ideal for professionals, the Perky invites users to enjoy a lively, rapid keystroke experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and HMX Perky share a striking similarity in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which provides a consistent sound and tactile experience across both switches. The nylon material is renowned for its soft and absorbent characteristics, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared choice of housing contributes to a duller and rounder auditory signature, making both switches appealing for users who prefer a softer typing experience with muted acoustics. As both switches utilize the same material, users can expect similar outcomes in terms of sound depth and overall keyboard feel, regardless of which switch they choose.
While both the Fairy and Perky employ nylon for both housings, the specific impacts of the housing on the user experience differ subtly due to their potential design variations. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing affects the noise profile when releasing a key. Consequently, even though both switches utilize the same nylon material, any differences in their internal mechanisms or design can still create unique overall typing experiences. Users may notice variations in key response or auditory feedback, contributing to personal preference in selecting between these options despite their shared material base.
In conclusion, the key similarity between the Akko Fairy and HMX Perky lies in their construction using nylon for both top and bottom housings, which uniformly enhances the switches' sound profiles and tactile feedback. However, subtle differences in their design can introduce distinct characteristics, allowing each switch to cater to varying user preferences. When selecting between the two, individuals should consider not only the material similarities but also any variations in design that may result in nuanced differences in the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to different user preferences in typing feel. The Akko Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lower force means the Perky allows for easier and quicker keystrokes, making it suitable for extended use without fatigue, which is particularly beneficial in work or gaming scenarios. Therefore, while the Fairy offers a firmer push and might appeal to those who prefer a heavier switch, the Perky is ideal for typists seeking a lighter option.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This distinction, although minimal, makes the Fairy the shorter option and the Perky the longer one. Gamers looking for quick responses may prefer the Fairy's shorter distance, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might be inclined to choose the Perky for its more substantial travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile 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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Akko Fairy and HMX Perky linear switches, the Fairy is characterized by its muted and neutral auditory feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is essential, such as offices. The muted quality ensures that the typing sounds are softer and less disruptive, while the neutral tone provides a balanced acoustic response that suits a variety of users—whether novice or experienced. In contrast, the sound profile of the Perky switches remains unknown, leaving it difficult to gauge how they would perform in comparison to the Fairy. Sound dynamics can also vary based on the keyboard build, keycap material, and other factors, potentially influencing the overall acoustic experience.
In terms of tactile feel, the Fairy switches excel with their polished finish, offering a highly refined and smooth typing experience. This is attributed to their factory-applied lubrication, which minimizes friction throughout the key travel. The mild and subtle characteristics of these switches contribute to a gentle typing experience that is approachable even for novices. They are designed to maintain a comfortable resistance level, promoting extended typing sessions without inducing fatigue. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Perky switches, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in this area.
In summary, the Akko Fairy linear switch stands out for its refined sound profile that is suitable for quieter settings, as well as its smooth and mild tactile experience, making it a strong choice for both professional and casual use. The HMX Perky switch's qualities remain largely unreported, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its performance relative to the Fairy. However, if you're looking for similar outcomes in terms of a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Akko Fairy is a reliable option.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the HMX Perky linear switches essentially comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're seeking a switch that is ideal for an office environment or long-term typing sessions, the Akko Fairy switches are likely the better option for you. Their medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balanced resistance, providing a satisfying yet comfortable typing experience, while their muted sound profile keeps noise levels low, making them perfect for shared spaces. Additionally, the polished feel helps reduce friction, allowing for smooth key travel that will support you through extended use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more condensed typing experience, the HMX Perky switches might be your go-to choice. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, they deliver a softer feel that can be enjoyable for quick typing tasks or gaming. While not extensively described in terms of sound or feel, their lighter actuation likely means a less demanding touch, appealing to those looking for a less strenuous typing experience. In essence, for work and comfort, opt for the Fairy, but for lighter, faster input, the Perky may be your best bet.
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