Akko Fairy vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that both have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Fairy switch is known for its smooth and comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for office settings where a quieter workspace is desired. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics, offering users a vibrant feedback and responsive typing experience. While the Fairy switch is polished, muted, and suitable for extended use, the Salt Ice switch is energetic and light to the touch. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature unique housing materials for their switches, with the Fairy utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Salt Ice uses polycarbonate for both components. The use of nylon in the Fairy results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer nature, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their aesthetics, with the Salt Ice featuring a clear polycarbonate housing that allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Fairy's nylon housing lacks the translucent properties of polycarbonate, focusing more on providing a unique sound experience. However, both materials excel in their ability to influence the overall sound profile of the switches, with nylon creating a deeper sound and polycarbonate offering a crisper tone. This showcases how the choice of housing material can impact not only the sound but also the visual appeal of a switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Akko Fairy and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches showcases the versatility and impact that materials can have on the sound profile of mechanical switches. While nylon and polycarbonate offer unique qualities, such as softer vs. stiffer plastic and duller vs. sharper sound profiles, they both play a crucial role in enhancing the typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound like the Fairy or a sharper and crisper tone like the Salt Ice, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in achieving a desired sound outcome.
Weight
Comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we can see that the Fairy is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Fairy requires 50 grams to actuate a key and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Salt Ice requires 45 grams to actuate a key and has an unknown bottom out force. The Fairy offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher force requirements, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their responsiveness, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch with the longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and how it impacts typing 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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes them suitable for office settings where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering vibrant feedback that is more energetic and lively. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch provides a polished and mild typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key presses with reduced friction. The gentle resistance of the switch offers a comfortable typing feel that is approachable to most users, making them suitable for extended use. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare them in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch is best suited for those looking for a quieter and comfortable typing experience, particularly in office environments where a more professional setting is required. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a more vibrant and clacky typing experience, ideal for users seeking a more energetic and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with both switches providing distinct qualities that cater to different user needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using them. If you're looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience ideal for professional settings, the Akko Fairy with its medium weight and factory-lubricated switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more energetic and responsive typing experience with bright and clacky characteristics, the Jerrzi Salt Ice might be the switch for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. Whether you prioritize a quieter workspace or vibrant feedback, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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