Akko Fairy vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it's evident that each switch caters to different user needs and preferences. The Fairy switch stands out for its refined, factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office settings. With medium weight and a perfect balance of resistance, the Fairy switch provides a satisfying press without causing fatigue, offering comfort for extended use. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is engineered specifically for gamers, boasting effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. With light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro switch is ideal for scenarios where every millisecond matters. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in their top housing material, with the Fairy featuring a nylon top housing and the V3 Silver Pro featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and typing experience of the switches.
On the other hand, both the Fairy and the V3 Silver Pro use nylon for their bottom housing material. Nylon is favored for switch housings due to its ability to create a deep and rich sound profile, thanks to its sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing material. This consistency in bottom housing material means that users can expect a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose between the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Silver Pro.
It's important to note that the differences in housing materials between the top and bottom housings of the Akko Fairy and the Akko V3 Silver Pro can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will influence the sound when releasing the keys. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, users can choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it's evident that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a stronger push. Both switches have a similar actuation force, resulting in a comparable trigger feel, while the bottom out force of the Fairy switch is slightly heavier, giving it a bit more resistance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is identical at 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable options for those who prefer a specific key feel. With their equal travel distances, users can expect similar results in keypress feedback and overall typing comfort when using either the Fairy or the V3 Silver Pro.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 linear switch has a muted and neutral profile, producing a softer and quieter sound that is suitable for professional settings where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, making it more suited for gaming environments where a more pronounced sound is desired. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, users can choose between the more subtle and polished sound of the Fairy switch or the higher-pitched sound of the V3 Silver Pro.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and gentle resistance. This is ideal for long typing sessions in office settings where comfort is key. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience that is perfect for gamers looking for quick and effortless keystrokes. The light actuation force and smooth key travel of the V3 Silver Pro enhance the overall typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended gaming sessions.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences tailored to different user needs. The Fairy switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for office environments, while the V3 Silver Pro switch is optimized for gaming with its responsive and smooth keystrokes. Depending on your preferences and typing habits, you can choose between the muted, polished sound of the Fairy switch or the high-pitched, silky typing experience of the V3 Silver Pro, knowing that both switches deliver high-quality performance in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the specific needs of your typing experience. If you are looking for a switch optimized for office settings with a medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying key presses and comfort for extended use, the Akko Fairy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches engineered for quick and effortless keystrokes with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for optimal gaming performance, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter typing experience for work or a responsive, low-impact feel for gaming.
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