Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Akko Fairy is best suited for office environments, with its factory-applied lubrication providing a smooth typing experience and medium weight offering a satisfying press without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts lightning-fast actuation thanks to its all-POM construction, along with a thocky sound, smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Fairy switch excels in creating a quiet and comfortable workspace, the Smoothie Silver focuses on speed and responsiveness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique sound profiles, with the Fairy utilizing nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, POM housings create a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted compared to nylon. Despite these differences, both materials offer a premium typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
While the Fairy and Smoothie Silver both offer quality sound profiles, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Gateron Smoothie Silver play a crucial role in the overall typing experience, providing different sound profiles based on the type of material used for each housing component.
In terms of similarities, both the nylon top and bottom housing of the Akko Fairy and the POM top and bottom housing of the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer a premium typing experience with unique sound profiles. While the specific characteristics of the sound may vary between the two materials, the overall experience of typing on switches with nylon or POM housings is elevated compared to switches made with other materials. As a result, users can expect a tactile and satisfying typing experience regardless of whether they choose the Akko Fairy or the Gateron Smoothie Silver for their keyboard setup.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have their own unique characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, the Fairy has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Fairy offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Smoothie Silver may be lighter overall. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider depending on personal preference for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Smoothie Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Fairy. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Fairy to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Smoothie Silver for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for its muted and neutral profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch doesn't have a described sound profile, but with its all-POM construction, it may produce a thocky sound, which can be satisfying for those who prefer a distinct auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Fairy switch is renowned for its polished, mild, and subtle characteristics, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver switch does not have a described feel profile, but being all-POM and featuring a feather-light touch, it likely provides a quick and effortless typing experience with an unparalleled smoothness. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use, making them great options for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch may differ in their sound and feel profiles, they both offer qualities that are conducive to a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter workplace with a medium weight switch like the Fairy or a lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound like the Smoothie Silver, both switches are designed to meet the demands of daily typing tasks. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a switch that is well-suited for office settings, offers a smooth typing experience with a medium weight, and is comfortable for extended use, the Akko Fairy linear switch is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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