Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the linear Akko Fairy and Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, the decision may ultimately come down to your specific needs and preferences. The Akko Fairy is renowned for its factory-applied lubrication, providing a smooth typing experience ideal for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying presses and comfort for extended use, the Fairy switch offers a quieter workspace and fatigue-free typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for environments that require quiet typing, offering a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Fairy switch is categorized as more polished and neutral, the Silent Ink Black is described as silky and muted. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both play a significant role in the sound profile produced during typing. The Fairy's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon and its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a thinner and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky but not overly sharp. Despite their differences, both housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of the switches.
While the Fairy's nylon housing materials focus on creating a more muted and round sound, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend housing materials aim for a sharper and clackier sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Fairy will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black switch will contribute to the overall sound profile during typing, while the top housing will impact the sound when the key is released. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of housing materials, the Akko Fairy and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The softer nylon housing of the Fairy creates a deeper and fuller typing sound, while the proprietary INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a sharper and clackier sound. Despite these variations, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials, with each switch providing distinct sound feedback during typing and key release. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force of each switch play a crucial role in the typing experience. The Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the Fairy has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams in contrast to the Silent Ink Black's heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Fairy may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended use, while the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Ink Black may be more suited for users who desire a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired level of force required for typing.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Fairy the shorter of the two switches. The Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Silent Ink Black's 4 mm travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Fairy providing a quicker actuation and the Silent Ink Black offering a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for travel distance and 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The muted quality of these switches helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as having a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. The combination of a smooth and refined finish, gentle typing feel, and light resistance makes the Fairy switch comfortable for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key travel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both offer a quiet and smooth typing experience suitable for professional settings or environments where quiet operation is important. While the Fairy switch provides a balanced medium weight feel with subtle characteristics, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushiony bottom-out feel with a silky smoothness. Depending on personal preference and typing habits, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise output. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from these two switches, making either a suitable choice for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings with a smooth typing experience and medium weight, the Akko Fairy linear switch is a great choice. It offers a balanced resistance for comfortable extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. It provides a muted sound and a silky smooth typing feel, making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern. Consider these factors when deciding between the Akko Fairy and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches to ensure you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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