Akko Fairy vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko Fairy and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to determining the type of typing experience that best suits your preferences and needs. The Akko Fairy is renowned for its smooth and comfortable feel, making it an excellent option for office settings where extended typing sessions are common. With its medium weight and factory-applied lubrication, the Fairy switch strikes a perfect balance between satisfying keypresses and fatigue prevention. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique "Q-texture" and light actuation, providing a distinct typing experience that is both smooth and engaging. While the Fairy offers a quieter workspace with its muted sound signature, the Venus excels in rapid and effortless typing with its frictionless glide. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the TTC Venus switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Venus's POM top housing creates a unique and muted sound profile on the deeper side. While both materials offer a pleasant typing experience, the Fairy's nylon top housing may appeal to those who prefer a duller and rounder sound, while the Venus's POM top housing caters to individuals seeking a more subtle and deep sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the differences between the Fairy's nylon bottom housing and the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing become more pronounced. The nylon bottom housing of the Fairy contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of typing. Therefore, individuals who prioritize a clear and resonant sound profile may gravitate towards the Venus switch with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while those who prefer a more muffled and round sound may lean towards the Fairy switch with its nylon bottom housing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the TTC Venus switches offer contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Fairy switch features nylon top and bottom housings that produce a deeper and fuller sound, the Venus switch utilizes POM and polycarbonate top and bottom housings to create a unique and sharper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer a variety of options to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Venus's 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Fairy requires 60 grams, while the Venus only needs 52 grams, making the Venus the lighter option overall. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Venus for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Fairy for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter compared to the 3.8 mm travel distance of the TTC Venus linear switch. This means that the Fairy offers a quicker response time when typing or gaming, making it a preferred choice for those looking for fast and precise key presses. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be more comfortable for users who prefer a bit more depth when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness with the Akko Fairy, or a more substantial key press with the TTC Venus.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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, making it suitable for a quieter workspace while still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound with a unique "thocky" feel, creating a more immersive auditory experience. While both switches offer a quieter typing experience, the Venus switch brings a more distinctive and engaging sound profile to the table.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch is characterized by a buttery and frictionless feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Venus switch stands out for its unique buttery feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both offer quality options for those looking for linear switches with specific sound and feel preferences. The Fairy switch is ideal for a quieter workspace and extended use with its refined and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch brings a more distinctive sound profile and a buttery feel, making each keystroke engaging and immersive. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer excellent options for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your environment and typing preferences. If you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience for office use, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium bottom out force and muted sound profile would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and engaging typing sensation with a light actuation force and a low-pitched, muted sound, the TTC Venus switch with its "Q-texture" and frictionless glide would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a balanced, refined typing experience (Akko Fairy) or a distinctive, engaging typing feel (TTC Venus). Consider your needs and preferences carefully to find the switch that best suits your individual typing style.
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