Akko Fairy vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Fairy switch is known for its refined lubrication and medium weight, making it an ideal choice for office settings where a smooth typing experience and comfort during extended use are important. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its POK material construction, offering typists a creamy and smooth feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Fairy switch is more polished, muted, and neutral, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery, creamy, and resonant. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Akko Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, creating a different typing experience. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Fairy's nylon top housing tends to result in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the KTT blend top housing.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Akko Fairy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches diverge further. The Fairy's nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than other materials and exceptional wear resistance, the POK bottom housing delivers a smooth and clacky typing experience while also ensuring long-lasting performance. These contrasting qualities in bottom housing materials highlight the diverse options available in switch design to cater to different preferences.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch influences the sound and feel of typing in unique ways. The Akko Fairy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches showcase how different housing materials can result in distinct typing experiences. While the Fairy's nylon housing offers a softer and deeper sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend creates a sharper and more clacky sound signature. Additionally, the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides exceptional smoothness and durability compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Fairy. By understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that best suit their typing preferences.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's lighter 43 grams. Both switches have a medium to light bottom out force, with the Fairy requiring 60 grams and the Vanilla Ice Cream needing 48 grams. The Fairy switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's lighter actuation force would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Akko Fairy switch is heavier in terms of actuation force, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter, providing different typing experiences based on user preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Fairy switch. The difference between the two is minimal, but it may be noticeable to those who are sensitive to small differences in keypress feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer keypress 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a muted and neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for office settings where a quieter typing experience is desirable. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that stands out with a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Fairy switch offers a softer and more subdued typing sound compared to the more distinct and prominent sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, with the Fairy focusing on a polished and subtle feel while the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes a buttery and creamy sensation.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Fairy switch excels in providing a quieter and refined typing sound with a comfortable resistance level, ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with a high-pitched and resonant sound, coupled with a buttery and creamy feel that offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on whether one prefers a softer and muted sound or a sharper and creamier feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to individual needs and preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the specific needs and preferences you have for your keyboard experience. If you prioritize a balanced, smooth typing experience with a medium weight and muted sound, the Akko Fairy switch would be a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a creamy and buttery feel, and a high-pitched, clacky sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style, preferred sound profile, and desired level of tactile feedback. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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