Akko Fairy vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko Fairy and the HMX Poro, both linear switches offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Fairy is particularly suited for office environments, thanks to its refined, factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth and muted typing experience. With a medium actuation weight, it strikes a balance between providing enough resistance for a satisfying keystroke and ensuring comfort for extended typing sessions. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals who need a quiet and comfortable switch for daily tasks. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches excel with their ultra-light actuation force, offering a silky smooth keystroke that is both effortless and enjoyable. Their poppy and clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, making them great for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and HMX Poro switches utilize nylon as their primary housing material, both for the top and bottom components. This shared choice of material is significant because nylon is widely regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its acoustic properties and overall durability. In both switches, the use of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a trait highly sought after by typing enthusiasts. The natural softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience upon keystrokes. This similarity in housing materials leads to parallel acoustic performances for both switches, ensuring they deliver satisfying sound profiles.
While both the Akko Fairy and HMX Poro switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, it’s worth noting that the interaction between the top and bottom components can influence the end-user experience. Given that the bottom housing primarily affects the sound and feel upon bottoming out, and the top housing has more say in how a switch sounds and feels when released, the overall character of the switch can be nuanced. Both switches promise a consistent experience, but any perceived differences would likely be minimal as they share the same fundamental material. Thus, if any variation exists in typing feel or sound, it may not be due to the housing materials but rather the specific design or switch mechanics unique to each model.
Overall, since both the Akko Fairy and HMX Poro houses are constructed from nylon and share similar acoustic traits, users can expect comparable performance in terms of sound and feel. The rounded quality of typing on both switches stems from the inherent characteristics of nylon. Consequently, whether one chooses the Fairy or the Poro, they are likely to experience the rich auditory landscape that nylon switches provide, reinforcing why this material is a favored choice in the design of high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy switch features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience suitable for those who appreciate a moderate resistance. In contrast, the Poro switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended use. Consequently, the Poro switch allows for quicker keystrokes with less physical exertion, while the Fairy provides a more substantial feel for those who favor a heavier tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Fairy is the heavier option, whereas the Poro is the lighter alternative, making them appealing to different types of users based on their individual preferences for typing or gaming environments.
Travel distance
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the difference in travel distance is quite notable. The Akko Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Poro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Fairy may be the better choice, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation and faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys—a quality some users appreciate for its depth—the Poro's longer travel distance could provide that satisfying feedback. Ultimately, the Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a snappier experience, whereas the Poro's 3.7 mm distance caters to those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switches are designed for a more muted experience. Their softer and quieter sound profile makes them an ideal choice for office settings, where minimizing noise can significantly impact the working environment. The Fairy’s neutral sound further ensures that it is suitable for various contexts, whether you are at home or in a shared workspace. Contrastingly, the HMX Poro linear switches offer a distinctively poppy and clacky sound profile, which adds an element of auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. While the Poro may not be the best choice for a noise-sensitive environment, its vibrant sound can enhance the tactile experience during use. Overall, if sound is a priority, the Fairy excels in providing a subdued auditory experience, which is beneficial in quieter settings, while the Poro caters to those who might enjoy a more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience, thanks to their refined finish and factory lubrication. Users can expect reduced friction and a sleek key travel that promotes comfort during extended typing sessions. The moderate actuation force coupled with a subtle resistance makes them approachable for a wide range of users, providing a mild typing feel that is gentle yet satisfying. On the other hand, while the specific tactile feedback characteristics of the HMX Poro switches are not detailed, they are also meticulously lubricated for smooth keystrokes, suggesting an overall enjoyable typing experience. While there might be similarities in the smoothness attributed to lubrication, the Fairy provides a more defined description of a polished and mild feel, making it easier for newcomers to anticipate the tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Fairy prioritizes a quiet and polished experience, ideal for office use and shared environments, while the Poro focuses on a more dynamic sound profile that can enhance the enjoyment for users who appreciate auditory feedback. Ultimately, whether you choose the Fairy for its subdued characteristics or the Poro for its lively sound, both switches offer smooth experiences but cater to different environments and user preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you're looking for a switch that provides a comfortable, smooth, and quiet typing experience suitable for office settings or shared workspaces, the Akko Fairy is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and refined lubrication ensure a polished feel that minimizes noise while allowing for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the HMX Poro may be more to your liking. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and silky-smooth keystrokes, the Poro offers a delightful typing experience with a satisfyingly poppy sound that can be enjoyed in a personal or more casual gaming environment. Ultimately, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard: reach for the Fairy for professional or quiet scenarios and opt for the Poro for a fun, expressive typing experience.
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