Akko Fairy vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer appealing options tailored to different user preferences. The Akko Fairy switches are celebrated for their refined, factory-applied lubrication, ensuring a smooth typing experience that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. This makes them an excellent choice for office environments, where a quieter yet satisfying pressing feel can significantly enhance productivity without causing fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g excels in creating an ultra-quiet atmosphere, with a feather-light actuation force designed for those who prefer a gentle touch. The serene sound profile of these switches is reminiscent of soft raindrops, catering particularly well to light typists seeking tranquility in their workspace. While both switches are linear and geared toward enhancing the typing experience, they cater to different needs: efficiency and comfort versus whisper-quiet operation. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilize nylon for their top housings, which is a classic choice in the keyboard community. Both switches are designed to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the softer nature of nylon. This material's ability to absorb sound waves results in a rounder sound that appeals to those seeking a more muted typing experience. Because both switches share this nylon top housing, users can expect a similar auditory quality during typing sessions, promoting a pleasant and satisfying acoustic response regardless of the switch's bottom housing.
However, the differences arise in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Akko Fairy features a nylon bottom housing, which complements its nylon top housing to create a cohesive sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its stiffness and clarity. This design choice changes the overall auditory experience: while the nylon bottom adds to the warmth and dampening effect, the polycarbonate bottom sharpens the sound and enhances resonance. Thus, the Silent Sakura offers a more defined and crisper sound, contrasting the softer impact of the Fairy's fully nylon design.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Silent Sakura – where nylon meets polycarbonate – creates a distinctive sound profile that contrasts with the uniform warmth of the Akko Fairy. When these two switches are used, the auditory characteristics will be dictated by the unique contributions of each housing material. Users may find the bottom-out sound of the Silent Sakura to be clearer due to its polycarbonate bottom, while the release sound maintains the softness from the nylon. Thus, while both switches share similarities in terms of the top housing, their bottom housing differences meaningfully alter their overall acoustic experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Fairy features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it feel more substantial during use. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This difference means that the Silent Sakura is better suited for users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, such as at work or during extended gaming marathons, while those who enjoy a firmer push might gravitate towards the Akko Fairy. Overall, the Akko Fairy is the heavier of the two, offering a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Silent Sakura is the lighter option more conducive to prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see a clear difference. The Akko Fairy features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Fairy switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it more responsive, which is often preferred by gamers looking for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch, with its longer travel distance, may be more appealing to users who appreciate a deeper feel when typing, as it allows for a more pronounced keypress. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and shorter response times, the Akko Fairy would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the HMX Silent Sakura is likely the more suitable option.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
The Akko Fairy linear switch is characterized by its muted and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent option for professional environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. The factory lubrication contributes to a quieter operation, minimizing the typical clack of mechanical keyboards and ensuring that typing doesn't become a disturbance to others. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed to create an even more subdued auditory experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Although specific details about its sound characteristics are not provided, the emphasis on a whisper-quiet typing experience suggests it will appeal to those who prioritize low noise in their environment.
Regarding feel, the Fairy switch delivers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel, allowing for comfortable and prolonged typing sessions. The design ensures a gentle resistance that won't tire the fingers, making it suitable for varied typing tasks whether you’re writing reports or coding. In contrast, specific characteristics of the Silent Sakura - 43g’s feel were not described; however, its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force suggests that it would offer an easy and effortless typing experience, particularly catering to lighter typists.
In conclusion, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Silent Sakura - 43g switch cater to those seeking a quieter and comfortable typing experience, although the Fairy offers a more detailed account of its sound and feel qualities. The Fairy’s combination of smoothness and moderate resistance makes it a versatile choice for most users, while the Silent Sakura’s ultra-light design could potentially attract those who prefer an even softer touch. Ultimately, both switches promise a serene typing experience, ensuring that users can work efficiently without disturbing their surroundings.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find yourself working in an office or in a shared space where a moderate level of sound is more appropriate, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium 60g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. Its refined, polished feel ensures a smooth and pleasant typing experience, and its muted sound profile minimizes disruption to those around you, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ultra-quiet and lightweight experience, particularly in a noise-sensitive setting like a library or a home office where you value serenity, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be a better fit. With its whisper-quiet actuation and 43g bottom-out force, this switch caters to light typists seeking a soft touch that doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness. Both switches offer unique advantages, so consider what aspects are most crucial to your typing experience—be it a balanced tactile resistance or a feather-light, silent touch—before making your choice.
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