Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Akko Fairy switches excel in office environments, featuring factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth, quiet typing experience. Their medium weight provides a satisfying balance of resistance, making them comfortable for extended usage without causing fatigue—ideal for anyone who spends long hours at their desk. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie combines affordability with a delightful thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an attractive option for gamers and typists who appreciate tactile feedback in their keystrokes. While both switches are linear and deliver a pleasing experience, their unique characteristics cater to different ergonomic needs and atmospheric 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

Akko Fairy Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, it's notable that the Fairy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for the same components. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is known for its softer properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a muted auditory experience, as nylon's sound-absorbing qualities help produce a rounder and less harsh feel. On the other hand, POM, known for its rigidity and durability, also yields a pleasing sound, though it produces a slightly different acoustic experience. The difference in materials results in unique sound profiles, although both switches tend toward a deeper and more subdued audio resonance.

Furthermore, the acoustic properties of these switches are influenced not only by the top housing but also by the bottom housing. The Fairy's nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to its overall sound, enhancing the bottom-out feel with a rounded auditory experience. This is a distinct characteristic that aligns with the switch's overall design philosophy, as both housings work in harmony to produce a cohesive sound. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, despite being a harder plastic, creates a uniquely muted sound. Even though there is a variance in material between the two switches, they both achieve a deeper sound profile, demonstrating how different materials can still lead to similar auditory outcomes in terms of user experience.

In summary, while the Akko Fairy and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches differ in housing materials—nylon versus POM—they ultimately cater to similar sound preferences for users seeking a deeper and more muted typing experience. The acoustic qualities of each switch are derived from their materials, with the nylon of the Fairy establishing an absorbing, fuller note, and the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie providing a unique yet complementary sound. To achieve similar results, users can appreciate how the engineering of both switches leverages their materials to create a rich and pleasant typing sound while accommodating different tactile preferences through their respective constructions.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that they have similar yet distinct specifications regarding actuation force. The Akko Fairy switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its resistance when pressed down completely. This indicates that the Sea Salt Smoothie may offer a lighter feel overall, which could be beneficial for users looking for a less strenuous typing experience during long sessions. Meanwhile, the Akko Fairy’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces can provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. In summary, while both switches are relatively close in actuation force, the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter and potentially better for extended use, while the Fairy offers a firmer resistance for those who value a more tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Akko Fairy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Fairy the shorter option, catering to users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who may find shorter distances too abrupt for their typing or gaming comfort. The difference in travel distances indicates that users looking for speed may gravitate towards the Akko Fairy, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional, hearty feel may prefer the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Akko Fairy linear switch is characterized as muted, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This muted quality makes it well-suited for office environments where minimizing noise is a priority. Additionally, the neutral sound descriptor implies that while it may not be entirely silent, the audible feedback remains moderate, making it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in a professional space. On the other hand, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie does have a reputation for its thocky sound profile, the specific details are less documented in this context. Thus, it may offer a more pronounced acoustic presence compared to the Fairy, yet it’s crucial to note that the sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard configuration, keycaps, and other factors.

In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches excel with their polished finish, which comes from factory lubrication, leading to a remarkably smooth typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and easy key travel with these switches, which cater to a pleasant and refined feel. The mild and subtle descriptors indicate that these switches provide a gentle typing experience, striking a nice balance that is approachable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the details regarding the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are not explicitly defined in this information, so it’s challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, each switch’s overall experience will still be impacted by its respective characteristics.

In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Fairy excels in delivering a smooth, muted experience, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions in noise-sensitive environments. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s thocky sound may appeal to those who appreciate more audible feedback, albeit its specific feel remains less detailed. Ultimately, if you're prioritizing a refined and quieter experience, the Fairy would be the preferable choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may fit well for those who appreciate a more resonant typing experience, contingent upon the unknown aspects of its design.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your primary use case and environment. If you're looking for a switch that excels in office settings or shared spaces, the Akko Fairy is an excellent option due to its medium bottom-out force and refined factory-applied lubrication, which results in a smooth and subtle typing experience with a muted sound profile. This makes it comfortable for long hours of typing without causing fatigue or drawing attention. On the other hand, if you're interested in a switch that strikes a great balance between quality and cost, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the right choice. While its bottom-out force is unspecified, it's known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a great option for both casual and enthusiastic typists who appreciate a tactile feel. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you prioritize a quiet and comfortable experience for work or a more dynamic feel for personal use.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Fairy Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more