Akko Fairy vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Huano Sakura both present compelling options for typists, each with unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy switches are designed with a refined, factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth and silent typing experience that's particularly well-suited for office environments. Their medium weight offers just the right amount of resistance, ensuring comfortable and fatigue-free use during long hours of typing. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura switches stand out for their feather-light touch, combining a delightful ease of keystroke with medium acoustics that make them great for extended typing sessions, especially for users who prioritize lightness and responsiveness. While both switches offer appealing ergonomic benefits, they cater to slightly different typing styles and settings. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Huano Sakura showcase a clear divergence in their top components while sharing similarities in their bottom housings. The Fairy employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice in switch design known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a softer acoustic experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sakura features a top housing made from POK, or polyketone, which, while also contributing to an exceptional sound quality, yields a more clacky and pronounced auditory feedback due to its smoother texture and higher durability. While both housings are designed to enhance user experience, their distinct materials lead to different tactile and auditory sensations when typing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a fascinating consistency. Both the Akko Fairy and the Huano Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring that they share the same benefits associated with this classic material. The nylon bottom contributes to a deeper sound profile and a soft touch feel, offering a uniform experience in terms of bottom-out sound and tactile feedback across both switches. By employing nylon for the bottom housing, both designs make it possible to achieve significant sound absorption, giving the keys a rounded and warm sensation when pressed. This shared use of nylon in the bottom component allows users of both switches to enjoy similar auditory responses during key presses, regardless of the distinct top housing materials.
Ultimately, the unique combination of housing materials in the Fairy and Sakura switches highlights how different properties can merge to create a distinctive typing experience. The varied top housings—nylon for the Fairy and POK for the Sakura—introduce unique characteristics in terms of sound and texture, while their uniform nylon bottom housings ensure comparable performance regarding sound absorption and tactile feedback. When typing on these switches, the different auditory outputs result from the top housing's influence, while the comforting low-end warmth is preserved through the shared use of nylon at the bottom. Thus, users can appreciate the nuances of each switch while still enjoying a familiar acoustic profile, showcasing the complexity and potential of material selection in switch design.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Fairy switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, marking it as a medium-weight option that provides a more substantial feel for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch is significantly lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who desire less resistance and potentially longer typing sessions without fatigue. The difference in actuation forces suggests that the Fairy will demand more effort to press down compared to the Sakura. Additionally, the bottom out forces reinforce the distinction in experience, with the Fairy feeling heavier throughout its travel. Therefore, users who favor a lighter touch should lean towards the Huano Sakura, while those preferring a stronger push feel may opt for the Akko Fairy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Akko Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Sakura measures at 3.6 mm. This means the Fairy is the shorter of the two switches, appealing to gamers who often prefer a quicker response time due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Sakura's longer travel distance may be favorable for those who enjoy a more tactile experience, providing a heartier depth with each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the switches hinges on personal preference, with the Akko Fairy offering more responsiveness and the Huano Sakura delivering a more substantial feel.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 characterized as muted and neutral, which results in a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. This makes the Fairy an excellent choice for environments like offices where reduced noise levels are paramount. Its neutral sound profile allows it to adapt well to various contexts, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced typist. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches do not have a defined sound profile available, leaving their acoustic characteristics largely unknown. This uncertainty suggests that while the Sakura may also be suitable for quieter environments, the specific sound signature cannot be precisely compared to the Fairy at this time.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch excels with its polished, mild, and subtle characteristics. The factory lubrication provides a smooth and refined experience, making it comfortable for long typing sessions without increasing fatigue. The gentle resistance enhances the overall typing experience, striking a balance that both new and experienced users can appreciate. Again, the Huano Sakura's tactile qualities are not specified, which makes it difficult to assess how its feel compares to the Fairy. As a result, while the Fairy switch offers a thoroughly defined and pleasant tactile response, the Sakura remains a mystery in this regard.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy switch stands out with its clearly defined qualities, presenting a quiet operation and a smooth, ergonomic feel, making it an optimal choice for office and extended typing environments. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch offers uncertainty, particularly concerning sound and feel. Ultimately, while the Fairy offers a well-rounded performance for a variety of settings, the lack of information about the Sakura leaves potential users to speculate about its characteristics. If you prioritize predictability in your mechanical keyboard experience, the Akko Fairy is likely the safer bet.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider the context of your typing tasks and personal preferences. If you predominantly work in an office environment or engage in extended typing sessions, the Akko Fairy switch is an excellent choice due to its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, which strikes a balance between tactile feedback and comfort. Its polished feel and muted sound profile provide a refined experience, allowing for seamless and quiet typing that aligns exceptionally well with the demands of professionalism. In contrast, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more responsive feel, the Huano Sakura switch, with its 45 grams of bottom-out force, may be your go-to option. The Sakura is perfect for those who appreciate a feather-light action and desire a switch that allows for quick typing without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. This switch's medium acoustics and gentle resistance make it well-suited for intense typing marathons, where speed is of the essence. Therefore, your final decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a balanced resistance and a quieter experience or a lighter, more agile switch that enhances speed and efficiency in your typing tasks.
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