Akko Fairy vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options stand out: the Akko Fairy and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Akko Fairy, with its linear design, is designed for office environments, delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience that's complemented by its factory-applied lubrication. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who require comfort and efficiency during prolonged usage, as its medium weight strikes an ideal balance that helps prevent fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a hall effect design, offering a unique blend of tactile feedback and a satisfying "thock" sound that keyboard enthusiasts often crave. Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble and enhances performance, making it a preferred option for those who appreciate a refined, quality feel in their typing experience. Both switches cater to different typing preferences and environments; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Fairy Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Fairy and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present a fascinating juxtaposition when it comes to their housing materials, particularly regarding the contrasting sound profiles created by their top housings. The Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is heralded for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience upon keystrokes. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for generating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that feels more resonant. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate accentuates the clarity of each keystroke, resulting in a markedly different auditory experience for users.

Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to a shared characteristic that provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a classic switch housing material, nylon’s softness contributes to a sound-absorbing quality that enriches the typing experience. Therefore, while the Akko Fairy and the Sticky Rice (V2) offer contrasting sound profiles due to their distinct top housing materials, they converge on a similar auditory experience when it comes to the bottom housing. This shared element ensures that both switches deliver a rounder typing feel, especially during the bottom-out phase.

When considering the overall impact of the different housing materials, it’s essential to look at how they interact during use. Since the top housing influences the sound of the release while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, these switches create a hybrid auditory experience. Users can expect that typing on both switches will yield unique sound profiles; however, the nylon bottom housing in both would likely mitigate some of the differences created by the top materials. As such, the Akko Fairy offers a rounded sound due to its nylon top, while the Sticky Rice (V2) maintains a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top, yet both also provide a consistent undercurrent of deep, full sounds thanks to their shared nylon bottoms.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium weight category. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, the Sticky Rice (V2) is considered the lighter switch, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Fairy offers a more substantial push feel, catering to those who enjoy a heavier switch for a tactile experience. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reflect the unique preferences of users seeking either a lighter or heavier keyboard feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it is evident that the Fairy offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the typing experience significantly. For gamers or those who prioritize rapid response times, the Akko Fairy may be the preferred choice due to its shorter actuation distance, enabling quicker key presses. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its longer travel distance, could appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feel and deeper key press, which might feel less abrupt during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and depth in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Akko Fairy switches is characterized by a muted and neutral quality, making them well-suited for office environments where minimizing noise is appreciated. This softness reduces the typical clacking associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring a quieter atmosphere without sacrificing the typing experience. While details about the sound signature of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are not provided, it's safe to assume that they also offer a more subdued auditory footprint, making both switches ideal for shared spaces—though the Sticky Rice may lean more towards the satisfying "thock" sound that enthusiasts cherish.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switches deliver a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. Their factory-applied lubrication enhances smooth key travel and reduces friction, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The gentle resistance of the Fairy switches provides an approachable typing experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned users alike. Meanwhile, details regarding the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) switches remain unknown. However, given their reputation, they are likely to provide a balanced sensation as well, potentially leaning towards a more tactile feedback that complements their sound.

In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy switches shine in both sound and feel with their refined design, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches are also positioned as an appealing alternative, particularly for enthusiasts on the hunt for a more thock-like sound profile. Users can generally expect a similar level of comfort and noise control from both options, making them versatile choices for various typing environments. Each switch presents its own unique attributes, yet both maintain a commitment to quality that typists can appreciate in their daily use.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, your personal preferences and intended use case will play a significant role. If you are looking for a switch that excels in office settings or shared environments, the Akko Fairy is likely your best bet, owing to its refined lubrication and muted sound profile that promotes a quieter workspace. The medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a solid feel while minimizing fatigue during extensive typing sessions, making it ideal for daily professional tasks. Alternatively, if you prioritize a smooth, satisfying keystroke and a balanced “thock” sound, you may find that the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) suits you better. The lighter actuation force of 50 grams provides a more effortless typing experience, which is perfect if you enjoy a tactile sensation without significant resistance. Furthermore, its enhanced performance due to the dustproof stem would appeal to those who seek durability and reduced wobble in a switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should hinge on whether you value a quieter, more controlled experience (Akko Fairy) or a smoother, more tactile feedback with a pleasant auditory response (Sticky Rice V2).

Mentioned in this article

Akko Fairy Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more