Akko Fairy vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch tailored to your preferences, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Fairy switches from Akko are renowned for their factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth typing experience ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switches offer a quiet workspace and extended usability for daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches by KTT stand out with their beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The 50g tactile force in the Phalaenopsis switches provides a satisfying tactile bump for a delightful keystroke experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the KTT Phalaenopsis, one noticeable difference is the use of nylon in the Fairy versus polycarbonate in the Phalaenopsis. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile in the Fairy, while polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile in the Phalaenopsis. This contrast in materials results in a difference in typing experience and sound output between the two keyboards, with the Fairy offering a softer and rounder typing experience compared to the crisper and clearer sound produced by the Phalaenopsis.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a significant role. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing keyboard with customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the opaque nylon housing of the Fairy may not offer the same level of customization when it comes to lighting effects. This difference in material not only affects the sound profile of the keyboard but also contributes to the overall visual appeal of the keyboard, with the Phalaenopsis providing a more vibrant and colorful display compared to the Fairy.
While the top and bottom housings of the Akko Fairy and KTT Phalaenopsis differ in material, both keyboards aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. The split of qualities between the top and bottom housing means that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Fairy and Phalaenopsis offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, whether it be a softer, fuller sound in the Fairy or a sharper, crisper sound in the Phalaenopsis.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that the Fairy has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Phalaenopsis. The Fairy requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, giving it a more medium feel. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis only needs 37 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Phalaenopsis more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Fairy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm while the Phalaenopsis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Fairy offers a shallower depth when pressing down on a key, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 known for its muted and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience in office settings. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, providing a deeper and richer auditory feedback during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Fairy being more subdued and the Phalaenopsis offering a more pronounced and satisfying sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch is praised for its polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight that ensure smooth key travel and reduced friction. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, offering a tactile bump with two discernible stages during the keystroke. The Phalaenopsis switch provides a more defined tactile feedback compared to the Fairy switch, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile sensation during typing.
Overall, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience suited for professional environments, while the Phalaenopsis switch delivers a more tactile and satisfying keystroke feel for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you're looking for a switch that is well-suited for office use due to its smooth typing experience and medium weight, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize effortless typing with a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on what you value most in a keyboard switch.
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