Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is renowned for its smoothness, thanks to factory-applied lubrication that minimizes friction and creates a quieter typing experience—making it an excellent choice for office environments where stealth and comfort are paramount. With its medium weight, the Fairy offers just the right amount of resistance, ensuring that users can type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, characterized as a tactile switch, provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience with a balanced sound profile that many find satisfying and engaging. This tactile sensation can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a more responsive feel when typing, making it a good fit for both gaming and general use. While both switches have distinct advantages depending on your typing needs, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and Gateron Weightlessness switches both utilize nylon as their main housing material, both top and bottom. This shared characteristic is significant, as nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Given that both switches feature nylon for their housings, users can expect a similar acoustic experience characterized by a rounder and more subdued sound. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, allowing these switches to minimize sharp or metallic noises often associated with more rigid materials. As a result, whether users choose the Fairy or the Weightlessness, they will benefit from an overall pleasant and refined auditory experience while typing.
Despite the shared nylon composition, subtle differences between the Akko Fairy and Gateron Weightlessness may arise from their manufacturing processes or design nuances. While both switches provide the same material benefits, specific properties such as the switch's actuation force or tactile feedback might vary depending on the internal spring and stem design. Thus, even though they offer a similar sound quality due to the nylon housing, the typing feel can diverge based on the different engineering and specifications beyond just the housing material. The user's overall typing experience will ultimately hinge on these factors in addition to the shared nylon feature.
When considering the top and bottom housing's influence on the feel and sound, it remains essential to recognize how the nylon composition interacts with the switch's unique design elements. As stated, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel upon key press, while the top housing will influence the sound quality as the key returns to its original position. With the Gateron Weightlessness and Akko Fairy both leveraging nylon's acoustic properties, users will find comfort in knowing that both switches provide a consistent sound experience. Thus, those seeking a muted typing sound with a full tone will find their preferences met, whether they choose the Fairy or the Weightlessness, provided they account for the overall design and mechanical differences that may affect user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally easy to press down, which could be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Akko Fairy is 60 grams, providing a slightly firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is unknown, which leaves us uncertain about how it will feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, the Akko Fairy may provide a more defined feedback when fully pressed, appealing to users who prefer a little more resistance. Thus, while both switches could serve those who favor lighter typing forces, the Akko Fairy is the heavier option regarding bottom out force, while the Weightlessness’s characteristics remain unclear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Fairy features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Weightlessness offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is a little longer. This means that users who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Akko Fairy switch for its more responsive feel, whereas those who appreciate a more gradual press and deeper engagement might lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances compared to traditional options, their slight variance allows for specific preferences to shine through.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 characteristics, the Akko Fairy switch is notably muted and neutral. This combination results in a softer and quieter typing experience, making it an excellent option for office settings where minimizing noise is essential. The muted quality reduces the clacking typical of more aggressive mechanical switches, allowing for a more discreet typing session. Although the Gateron Weightlessness switch does not have a specific sound profile described, its balanced sound complements its tactile nature, indicating that it likely produces a sound that is neither too harsh nor overly quiet. However, the exact details regarding its sound characteristics remain unknown, which means users may need to consider the impact of their specific keyboard and keycaps on the overall sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch can be characterized as mild and subtle. The mildness provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable for a wide range of users, combining comfort with a satisfactory resistance level that avoids fatigue, even during prolonged typing sessions. This gentle resistance is designed to maintain a light touch, making it particularly suitable for shared workspaces. The Gateron Weightlessness switch, with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, suggests a pleasant typing experience that balances comfort and engagement. However, the lack of detailed descriptions about its tactile feel leaves some ambiguity regarding its comparative sensation to the Fairy switch.
In summary, the Akko Fairy linear switch presents a refined auditory and tactile experience that suits quieter environments and extended usage, highlighting its muted sound profile and gentle typing feel. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a complementary experience with its subtle tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile, although precise details on its sound and feel remain unspecified. Though the switches differ in type—linear versus tactile—they share qualities that cater well to various user needs. For those who prioritize a quieter typing experience in an office setting, either option could serve effectively, depending on personal preferences for switch type.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you’re seeking a smooth, muted typing experience that’s comfortable for long hours at the office or in a quieter environment, the Akko Fairy is an excellent option. Its medium actuation force provides a satisfying yet fatigue-free feel, making it perfect for daily professional tasks where noise control is a priority. On the other hand, if you enjoy a subtle tactile bump while typing and prefer a slightly more engaging experience in your mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Weightlessness would be more suited to your needs. The tactile feedback, albeit subtle, adds a pleasant dimension to your typing, which can be particularly satisfying in casual or creative settings. Thus, consider your priorities—whether it's a quiet, smooth action for focused work or a tactile feel for enjoyment—to make the best switch choice for your keyboard experience.
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