Akko Fairy vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy linear switches are ideal for office settings, with their factory-applied lubrication ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The medium weight strikes a perfect balance between satisfying feedback and reduced fatigue, making them perfect for long hours of work without causing discomfort. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches are favored by those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience, with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Fairy switches are polished, muted, and subtle, the Polaris Gray switches are low-pitched, thocky, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths, catering to different typing preferences. However, to determine the best switch for your needs, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific qualities and characteristics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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 Akko Fairy's housing materials consist of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. The choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound experience of the keyboard, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound while polycarbonate delivers a crisper and more defined sound.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Akko Fairy and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer unique sound profiles based on their respective top and bottom housings. The nylon top housing of the Fairy creates a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Gray produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Fairy contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the keyboard's sound profile.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in keyboards like the Akko Fairy and SP-Star Polaris Gray ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both materials provide distinct characteristics that impact the typing experience, with nylon offering a softer and more absorbent sound quality, and polycarbonate delivering a clearer and more resonant sound. Whether it's a preference for a deeper and fuller typing sound or a sharper and crisper tone, users can expect a unique sound experience from these keyboards based on their chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Fairy has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing feel. In contrast, the Polaris Gray features a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which results in a more substantial typing experience. The actuation force for the Polaris Gray is not specified, making it difficult to compare directly to the Fairy in terms of initial keystroke pressure. However, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a certain level of resistance in their switches. Ultimately, the preference between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on individual typing habits and preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Fairy offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Gray. This means that the Fairy switch may provide a faster response time, which can be preferred by gamers who value quick reactions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more substantial and tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray 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
The Akko Fairy linear switch is praised for its muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more clacky switches. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound, offering a deeper and more satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and user preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. This results in a comfortable typing feel that is not too heavy, making it suitable for extended periods of use without causing fatigue. Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is also considered mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This ensures a pleasant typing feel that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Fairy switch is more focused on creating a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for office settings, the Polaris Gray switch emphasizes a bouncy and satisfying typing feel with a deeper sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the specific environment and typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and quiet typing experience for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium bottom out force and factory-applied lubrication is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing feel with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch with a slightly higher bottom out force may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
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