Akko Fairy vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Akko Fairy and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two excellent, yet distinct options. The Akko Fairy is engineered with a refined, factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience, making it particularly well-suited for office environments where a quieter, more subdued touch is desired. Its medium weight strikes a balance between resistance and ease of use, ensuring that typists can work comfortably for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers seeking speed and responsiveness, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm. This allows for quick keystrokes and rapid-fire inputs, complemented by a clacky sound profile that brings a lively energy to gameplay. Both switches offer unique advantages—whether you're focused on productivity or immersed in gaming—but the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and usage context. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material choice suggests that users can expect a similar sound profile and tactile experience from both switches. The nylon material is characteristic for its ability to absorb sound effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustic response when typing. Due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics, both the Fairy and Vintage Citrus switches are designed to create a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Additionally, since both switches share identical materials for their housings, any discrepancies in sound or feel can be attributed to other factors such as the internal components or spring specifications rather than the housing itself. With nylon's inherent qualities being the same, typing on both the Akko Fairy and Vintage Citrus switches should yield similar tactile feedback and audible results. Specifically, the impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced when bottoming out, while the top housing will influence the sound signature as keys are released. Users can anticipate a consistent auditory and tactile response across both products due to their shared nylon construction.
Ultimately, the use of nylon for both top and bottom housings places the Akko Fairy and HMX Vintage Citrus switches in a similar category concerning typing feel and sound quality. This contrast demonstrates how the same material can deliver a cohesive experience, with the effect being balanced across the switches in terms of user interaction. For those seeking a specific sound profile or tactile sensation while typing, either choice would provide a similarly satisfying performance, making both switches suitable options for enthusiasts looking for quality in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Fairy offers an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch, while the Vintage Citrus is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference means that those who prefer a softer touch will appreciate the lighter Vintage Citrus, which could facilitate longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Fairy provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push. Ultimately, while both switches offer quality performance, the Akko Fairy is the heavier option, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is the lighter choice for those who prioritize ease of typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Akko Fairy offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that pressing the Akko Fairy switch will provide a slightly deeper experience compared to the more shallow HMX Vintage Citrus. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Vintage Citrus may be appealing for quick interactions, particularly in gaming scenarios. Conversely, gamers who prefer a more pronounced feel may lean towards the Akko Fairy switch to enjoy that extra depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 switch offers a more muted and neutral auditory experience, making it well-suited for environments where noise control is important, such as offices. The refined lubrication contributes to a softer output, minimizing the typical mechanical clacks that can disrupt a quiet workspace. This quality makes the Fairy an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter keypress. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind and features a bright and clacky sound profile. While specific details about its acoustics may not be provided, you can expect a livelier sound that would likely stand out in a bustling environment, ideal for those want a more expressive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch shines with its polished, mild, and subtle characteristics. This switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience, largely attributed to its factory-applied lubrication that offers reduced friction and comfortable key travel. Its moderate resistance allows for an easy, approachable feel that is neither too soft nor too firm, making it suitable for both prolonged typing sessions and casual use. In contrast, the specifics of the Vintage Citrus switch's feel are not mentioned, but its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm indicates an emphasis on rapid responses, likely offering a very different tactile experience that may cater more to speed-oriented tasks.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy and HMX Vintage Citrus switches present contrasting profiles in both sound and feel. The Fairy is tailored for a polished and muted experience that suits office settings well, while the Vintage Citrus would satisfy those seeking a clacky and agile typing sensation ideal for gaming. When choosing between them, consider your primary use case—if you value a quieter and more refined feel, the Fairy is your best bet; if rapid response and liveliness are your priorities, the Vintage Citrus will likely exceed your expectations. Each switch has its strengths, and selecting one over the other hinges primarily on your specific preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your decision should align with your primary usage and preferences. If you find yourself primarily working in an office or shared environment where reduced noise and extended typing comfort are paramount, the Akko Fairy is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, coupled with its polished feel and muted sound signature, ensures a smooth, distraction-free experience that suits long working hours. Conversely, if you are a gamer or require a switch designed for speed and rapid key presses, the HMX Vintage Citrus will likely meet your needs more effectively. With its lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams and a quick actuation at just 1mm, it enables swift response times that can enhance your gaming performance, complemented by a clacky sound profile that adds a layer of enjoyment to your gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on your specific typing or gaming environment; the Akko Fairy excels in professional settings while the Vintage Citrus shines in gaming scenarios.
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