Akko Fairy vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Akko Fairy and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy is renowned for its refined, factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for quiet office settings. The medium weight of the Fairy switches strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort, ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, attributed to its inherent material blend rather than lubrication. The Roselle also produces a subtle, low-pitched sound signature when typing. While the Fairy switch is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', the Roselle switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences; 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the HC Studio Roselle both use different materials for their housing components, with the Fairy using nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Roselle utilizes POM for both parts. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings create a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to nylon. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound experience of the switches.
The choice of housing material for switches plays a crucial role in the typing experience, affecting both the sound and feel of the switches. In the case of the Fairy, the nylon top and bottom housing work together to create a cohesive sound profile that is deep and full. Similarly, the Roselle's POM top and bottom housing contribute to a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. Although the materials used are different, the end result is a satisfying typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials, it is evident that each component influences different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing allows for a nuanced typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of the user. Whether it is nylon or POM, the choice of housing material has a substantial effect on the overall performance and sound profile of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, falling into the medium-light category. The lighter actuation force of the Roselle switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Fairy switch may offer a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, with the Roselle being slightly longer than the Fairy. Gamers may prefer the Fairy for its slightly shorter travel distance, providing faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Roselle. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth 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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 offers a muted and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for quiet office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound that can add a touch of depth and richness to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users may lean towards the Fairy for its subtle and quiet sound or the Roselle for its more pronounced and mellow tones.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is praised for its polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the switch, along with its gentle resistance, provides a comfortable and approachable typing feel suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, where the keys glide effortlessly with minimal resistance. This frictionless feel can appeal to users who prefer a seamless and fluid typing action without any sense of friction hindering their keystrokes.
Taking all the information into account, it's clear that the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for office settings, while the Roselle stands out with its remarkably smooth and bassy typing feel. Both switches have their unique charms, catering to different preferences and environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound and feel, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their typing needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, think about your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and minimal noise for office use, the Akko Fairy switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation with a lower bottom out force and a unique low-pitched sound profile, the HC Studio Roselle switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities and it's important to consider how each aligns with your individual typing style and environment.
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