Akko Fairy vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy switch is ideal for office settings, boasting factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience. It has a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making it perfect for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance for precision typing. Despite its tactility, these switches are designed to be quiet, making them suitable for shared environments. Both switches are categorized differently, with the Fairy being labeled as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', while the Silent Bluish White (V2) is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Muted', 'Subtle', 'Polished'. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) differ significantly in terms of sound profiles. The Fairy's nylon top and bottom housings result in a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder tone overall. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) with polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, with the polycarbonate contributing to a more clear and resonant tone. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, it is the polycarbonate in the Silent Bluish White (V2) that adds a distinct clarity to the sound.
In addition to sound differences, the choice of housing material also affects the aesthetics of the switches. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Silent Bluish White (V2) allows for RGB lighting to be showcased more prominently, giving it a visually appealing element that the solid nylon top on the Fairy does not offer. This can make the Silent Bluish White (V2) a preferred option for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup, while the Fairy may cater more to users who prioritize the acoustic qualities of their switches over visual appeal.
While the nylon housing in both switches provides a classic and familiar typing experience, the addition of polycarbonate in the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a unique and distinct sound profile that may appeal to a different set of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize a deeper, fuller sound with the nylon housing of the Fairy, or a sharper, crisper tone with the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Bluish White (V2).
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it is evident that the Fairy has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2). The Fairy requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) only needs 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This means that typing on the Fairy switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Silent Bluish White (V2) will offer a lighter touch, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a heavier or lighter feel while typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with 3.0 mm being considered shallow and 4.0 mm being more traditional. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Akko Fairy a potentially popular choice in that regard. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the slight increase in travel distance offered by the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch are described as muted, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes both switches ideal for a quieter workspace or shared living space, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch is characterized as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use in professional settings. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, and subtle, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation with a more pronounced tactile feedback that is still approachable to most users. Despite the differences in descriptors, both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with a balance of tactile feedback and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Akko Fairy and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches both provide a pleasant typing experience with their own unique characteristics. The Fairy switch is focused on offering a refined and comfortable experience suitable for office settings, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch emphasizes a buttery typing feel with a subtle tactile response, perfect for those seeking a precise yet quiet typing experience. Whether you choose the Fairy or the Silent Bluish White (V2), you can expect to enjoy a satisfying typing experience that aligns with your preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it really comes down to your preferences and needs. If you value a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with factory-lubricated switches, then the Akko Fairy would be an excellent choice for office settings or prolonged use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a tactile experience with a focus on quietness, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) would be more suitable, especially for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them.
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