Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, also a linear switch, offer distinct features for different preferences. The Fairy switches from Akko are perfect for office environments, boasting factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience and a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. This makes them ideal for extended use without causing fatigue, creating a quieter workspace conducive to daily professional tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its affordability without compromising on quality, offering a thocky sound signature, smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Fairy switch is polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Smoothie switch is buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. Both switches have their unique advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Gateron Smoothie switches play a significant role in the sound profile they produce. The Fairy utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, which also contributes to a pleasing and deep sound profile that is relatively more muted. Both switches offer a distinct sound due to their housing materials, with the Fairy emphasizing a fuller sound and the Smoothie focusing on a deeper, more muted tone.
While both the Fairy and Smoothie switches use different housing materials, they both excel in creating an enjoyable typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Fairy offers a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in material, both switches are designed to enhance the sound quality of typing, providing users with a satisfying auditory experience.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the Fairy and Smoothie switches offer unique characteristics. The bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of the Fairy and POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributing to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing of each switch influences the sound when releasing a key, with the nylon and POM materials providing distinct sound profiles. Ultimately, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with their housing materials contributing to the overall sound quality.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams to bottom out, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Fairy switch slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. Lighter switches like the Smoothie are ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming, allowing for less fatigue over time. On the other hand, the Fairy switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Fairy switch would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Smoothie switch due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Fairy switch for its faster input recognition. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press and feedback, the Smoothie switch with its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences 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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted and neutral characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, giving off a deep and satisfying tone with a bass-heavy quality. Depending on personal preference, the Fairy switch would be better suited for those looking for a quieter and more understated typing sound, while the Smoothie switch would appeal to individuals seeking a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that suits most users. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation with exceptional smoothness and reduced resistance. If you prefer a smoother and more fluid typing experience, the Smoothie switch would be the go-to choice, whereas the Fairy switch caters to those who appreciate a refined and subtle tactile feel.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch each have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Fairy switch is ideal for office environments with its muted sound and polished feel, while the Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound and buttery-smooth keystrokes. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide a quality typing experience, ensuring that users will be satisfied with their choice regardless of which switch they opt for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the specific environment and preferences you have for your typing experience. If you prioritize a comfortable and medium-weight typing feel with a muted sound profile, the Akko Fairy switch would be an excellent choice, especially for office settings or extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight touch with a thocky and low-pitched sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be more suitable, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aspects of typing feel and sound are most important to you in your daily usage of a mechanical keyboard.
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