Akko Fairy vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy, a linear switch, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch, offer distinct advantages for different preferences and needs. The Akko Fairy switches stand out for their smooth typing experience, thanks to the factory-applied lubrication that ensures a refined feel with just the right amount of resistance. Perfect for office settings, these switches provide a satisfying press without causing fatigue, making them ideal for extended use. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are hailed for their snappy response and buttery downstroke, offering a tactile typing experience that is both pronounced and satisfying. While both switches share qualities like a mild and neutral sound signature, the Fairy is polished and subtle, while the Purple Sakura is buttery and snappy. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and usage 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Fairy features a top housing made of nylon, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer properties. While both materials are classic switch housing choices, the nylon top housing of the Fairy offers a more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura produces a more resonant sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Akko Fairy and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura utilize nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that the switches offer a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. However, it is worth noting that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience for users. In this aspect, both switches offer similar qualities due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a softer and more absorbing sound, ideal for those seeking a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound, perfect for users who prefer a crisper typing feel. Regardless of the material differences in their top housings, both switches showcase the classic qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent and familiar typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both have a similar actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them medium in terms of weight. This means that they will provide a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a balanced feel between actuation and bottom out forces. The Fairy and Purple Sakura switches are both suitable for those who prefer a moderate amount of force for typing or gaming. However, some may find the actuation and bottom out forces to be on the lighter side compared to heavier switches, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a mediumweight feel, making them suitable options for a variety of users.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, slightly longer than the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Fairy with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
In terms of sound, both the Akko Fairy and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most environments, whether it be a home or office setting. The Fairy switch is specifically noted for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience, which can be beneficial for creating a more peaceful workspace. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is described as having a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting. Ultimately, both switches should deliver a satisfying sound that will not be overly disruptive.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Akko Fairy is described as polished, mild, and subtle. This means that the Fairy switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The mild and subtle resistance of this switch provides a comfortable typing feel that aligns well with long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is characterized as buttery, mild, and snappy. The buttery downstroke of the Purple Sakura switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the mild and snappy characteristics make the typing sensation responsive and lively. The tactility of the Purple Sakura switch strikes a delicate balance between being pronounced and gentle, adding a satisfying touch to each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Fairy switch leans towards a muted and polished typing experience, ideal for quiet office environments, the Purple Sakura switch provides a buttery and snappy feel that is responsive and pleasant to use. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience that meets your specific needs. Whether you choose the Fairy for its refined and quieter characteristics, or the Purple Sakura for its buttery and snappy tactility, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth typing experience with a balanced resistance that is ideal for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke that offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch would be a great option. Both switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying typing feel without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal typing style and environment. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and enjoy a premium mechanical keyboard experience.
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