Akko Fairy vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches each offer unique advantages suited to different typing experiences. The Fairy switches are particularly well-suited for office environments; their refined, factory-applied lubrication ensures a smooth and consistent keystroke, while their medium weight strikes an ideal balance between resistance and comfort. This combination not only fosters a quieter workspace but also makes extended typing sessions less fatiguing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are designed for those who prioritize whisper-quiet operation without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of a well-balanced keystroke. With their lighter 53g bottom-out force, they offer a gentle yet responsive feel, making each tap reminiscent of soft rain against a window. While both switches excel in creating comfortable and quiet typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials used in the Akko Fairy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, we find similarities and differences that significantly influence the acoustic properties of each switch. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, a material known for its softer consistency, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This shared characteristic implies that both switches will produce a similar auditory experience when keys are pressed, as the nylon top housing effectively absorbs sound and contributes to a more rounded acoustic output. Thus, users can expect a satisfying keystroke sound from both switches when considering their top housing.
However, the difference in the bottom housing of each switch plays a critical role in defining their overall sound signature. The Akko Fairy features a nylon bottom housing, which continues the trend of muted acoustics and complements the top housing's traits, resulting in a cohesive sound profile. In stark contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound due to the material's stiffness. This disparity means that while both switches may produce a pleasant sound when typing, the Silent Sakura - 53g's use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing steers its auditory characteristics towards clearer, more resonant notes, especially when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in the Akko Fairy and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g underscores how these features dictate the typing experience. While the Fairy provides a uniform sound profile thanks to its consistent use of nylon, the Silent Sakura - 53g enhances the overall auditory experience with a pronounced difference between the softer nylon top and the sharper polycarbonate bottom. Therefore, while typing on both switches can yield delightful results due to the nylon top's cohesive sound, the differentiated bottom housing in the Silent Sakura - 53g allows for more defined acoustic nuances that may appeal to those seeking a blend of depth and clarity in their typing experience.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance that some typists may find satisfying for both work and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference indicates that the Silent Sakura is easier to press down and may offer a more effortless typing experience, making it a preferable choice for longer sessions. When comparing the two, the Fairy switch requires more force, making it the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura stands out as the lighter choice. Ultimately, if you're after a more substantial feel while typing, the Akko Fairy may be ideal, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura is designed for those who favor a gentler touch.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for the hearty depth it provides when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy's shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm caters to those who favor a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid input. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Akko Fairy would be the better choice, while the Silent Sakura would appeal to users who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke experience.
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 - 53g 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy switches produce a muted, neutral audio profile. This results in a quieter typing experience, making them a suitable choice for office environments where minimizing noise is often a priority. The muted character reduces the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, while their neutral quality allows them to adapt well to various settings, whether at home or in professional spaces. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches remain unspecified, but it's likely they share a similar goal of providing a quiet experience, given their design intent.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches are polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience thanks to effective factory lubrication. This results in reduced friction and an overall sleek key travel that feels comfortable during extended typing sessions. They also strike a balance between mild and subtle resistance, offering a gentle yet satisfying keystroke that doesn't overwhelm the typist. The Tactile and force aspects of the Silent Sakura - 53g switches are not detailed, creating an uncertainty about their specific feel, though the weight suggests they also aim for a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Fairy and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches emphasize quiet operation, the Fairy excels in providing a well-defined sound and feel due to its polished characteristics and muted audio. The absence of specific information on the HMX Silent Sakura switches leaves some aspects unknown, particularly regarding their auditory and tactile experiences. However, those seeking a quiet typing experience can expect satisfactory performance from both options, potentially leaning towards the Akko Fairy for its definable qualities and workplace suitability.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Fairy linear switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you are seeking a reliable option for office settings or extended typing sessions, the Akko Fairy switches would be an excellent fit, thanks to their medium weight of 60 grams and smooth, polished feel enhanced by factory lubrication. This setup not only ensures a satisfying yet comfortable typing experience but also minimizes noise, making it ideal for shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with an even quieter sound profile, the Silent Sakura switches might be more suitable for you. With a 53-gram bottom-out force, they cater to those who enjoy a more effortless typing feel, reminiscent of soft raindrops, while still providing a satisfying response. Ultimately, consider your typical usage scenario: go for the Fairy if you need durability and balance for work, and opt for the Silent Sakura if you value subtlety and a whisper-quiet input for both office and personal use.
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