Akko Fairy vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stand out for their unique qualities. The Akko Fairy switches are praised for their smooth typing experience, thanks to factory-applied lubrication that ensures a refined feel with just the right amount of resistance. Ideal for office settings, these switches provide a quieter workspace and comfortable extended use. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a satisfying tactile bump. Their muted sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. The Fairy switch is more 'Neutral' and 'Subtle' while the Silent Brown switch is more 'Buttery' and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons for choosing them, 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 TTC Silent Brown switches have distinct properties that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Fairy uses a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the nylon top housing of the Fairy offers a more rounded sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown produces a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Akko Fairy and TTC Silent Brown switches utilize nylon, which provides a similar deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively. This consistency in bottom housing material suggests that both switches prioritize the tactile feedback and sound profile created by the bottom housing during key presses. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying tactile response.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko Fairy and TTC Silent Brown switches differ, the overall typing experience may not vary significantly. The split between the qualities of the housing materials in the top and bottom parts of the switch means that the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the nylon and polycarbonate materials offer distinct sound profiles in the top housing of the Fairy and Silent Brown switches, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar depth and fullness of sound for both switches. Ultimately, whether typing on the Akko Fairy or TTC Silent Brown, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics based on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Akko Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown's 45 grams, making the Fairy a bit more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams of force while the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams, making the Silent Brown slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight sensitivity.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Fairy has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Brown has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance makes it more suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter distance to actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a deeper keypress feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different advantages based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more satisfying keypress 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch are described as having a muted sound profile. This means they both produce softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, making them suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so it's important to consider these aspects as well.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as having a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. The factory-applied lubrication ensures a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. The medium weight of the switch strikes a balance between satisfying press and comfort for extended use. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is noted for its buttery, mild, and polished feel. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with gentle resistance and light typing feel. Overall, both switches provide comfortable typing experiences with their own unique qualities.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer users a muted sound profile and a comfortable typing experience. While the Fairy switch is praised for its refined factory lubrication and medium weight, the Silent Brown switch stands out for its buttery feel and rounded tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences and the specific needs of the user, either switch can provide a pleasant typing experience in different settings. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the nature of your environment and the typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience in a quiet office setting, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium weight and muted sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium resistance with a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aligns best with your preferences and working environment.
Mentioned in this article
