Akko Fairy vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth and refined typing experience, perfect for office settings due to its factory-applied lubrication that ensures a quiet workspace and comfortable prolonged use. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Jwick Taro offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics due to their differences in material composition. The Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the Taro switch.
On the other hand, both the Fairy and the Taro feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softness and sound absorption qualities. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, impacting the overall typing experience. While the differences in the top housing material between the two switches offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Akko Fairy and the Jwick Taro plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. The contrasting qualities of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing result in distinct sound profiles, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound in the Fairy and polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound in the Taro. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures some consistency in sound characteristics between the switches, emphasizing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Fairy has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it relatively light, while the Taro's actuation force is unknown. The Fairy also has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods, the Fairy may be the preferred choice. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Taro due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a slightly shorter option compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Despite the small difference in distance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Fairy may be preferred for its slightly quicker actuation, while the Taro may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when pressing a key. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 sound profile, which minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch also falls under the neutral sound category, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for a variety of uses. Both switches provide a comfortable sound experience that is ideal for shared spaces or professional settings.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. This switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing feel that suits most users. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is characterized as buttery and stepped, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a two-stage tactile sensation. While the Fairy switch offers a more subtle and refined typing experience, the Taro switch provides a buttery and uniform sensation.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch both have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Fairy switch is ideal for those looking for a muted and polished typing experience, perfect for office settings or extended use. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped tactile sensation, providing a smooth and uniform typing experience that is enjoyable for various users. Ultimately, individuals can expect a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience in an office setting, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The medium weight and refined lubrication of the Fairy switches make them perfect for long periods of typing without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and tactile typing experience with a cozy color scheme, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. The medium-heavy bottom out force and crisp clacks of the Taro switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for typing feel and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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