Akko Fairy vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the TTC Yunhai stand out as two excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Akko Fairy switches shine in office settings, featuring a refined, factory-applied lubrication that allows for a smooth and muted typing experience. With a medium weight, they strike an ideal balance, providing just enough resistance to enhance typing comfort during long hours without causing fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches present a distinct auditory and tactile experience with their deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force. This makes them particularly appealing for those who prefer a gentler touch, leading to a typing experience that feels effortless and fluid. While both switches offer the benefits of a linear design, such as quieter operation and minimal tactile feedback, the choice between them largely depends on your specific typing needs and environment. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the TTC Yunhai are notably similar, as both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This uniform choice of material plays a significant role in defining the acoustic and tactile characteristics of both switches. Specifically, the softness of nylon contributes to a distinct sound profile, allowing for a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Because nylon absorbs sound effectively, it prevents higher-pitched frequencies from dominating the auditory landscape, resulting in a more subdued and rounded sound. Users of both the Akko Fairy and TTC Yunhai can expect comparable auditory qualities that enhance their typing experience, illustrating the advantages of nylon as a switch housing material.
While the materials of the Akko Fairy and TTC Yunhai offer similar acoustic properties, the interaction between the top and bottom housings can create differing overall feedback depending on the design nuances of each switch. The bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, which can vary between different configurations or designs. In both models, the nylon construction plays a crucial role in ensuring that the bottoming action is satisfactory and that the sound produced upon keypress is consistent with user expectations. However, variations in the housing shapes or spring mechanisms could introduce subtle differences in feel or auditory response during key presses that are not solely attributed to the nylon material.
Ultimately, users of both the Akko Fairy and TTC Yunhai can anticipate a cohesive typing experience underpinned by the shared use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. The resulting acoustic effects create a similar aural texture across both models, bolstering the deep and rounded sound characteristic of nylon. Nevertheless, slight design differences between the switches may lead to varying subjective experiences; even with identical materials, the interplay of housing shapes and internal components can result in distinct feels during operation, thereby enriching the overall experience for users who appreciate the nuances in tactile feedback and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Fairy requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai is lighter, with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that the Yunhai switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Fairy's heavier forces might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Hence, while both switches provide a different tactile response, the Akko Fairy caters to users seeking a firmer feedback, while the TTC Yunhai is optimal for those favoring ease of actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it’s clear that they differ slightly, with the Fairy having a travel distance of 3.3 mm and the Yunhai measuring at 3.6 mm. This makes the Akko Fairy the shorter option, favoring those who prefer a more responsive feel, which is often appealing to gamers looking for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial and deliberate keystroke, catering to those who appreciate a deeper typing experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 considering the sound profile of both switches, the Akko Fairy switch shines with its muted and neutral characteristics. This results in a softer, quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments where minimizing noise is essential. The deeper, more rounded sound profile of the TTC Yunhai switch, while not explicitly detailed, suggests a unique auditory signature potentially favored by those who appreciate a more rounded sound. However, without further descriptors, it's difficult to ascertain how it stacks up against the Fairy in terms of volume or resonance. Overall, the Fairy's sound makes it ideal for maintaining a peaceful workspace, while the Yunhai may cater to those who enjoy an audible yet potentially less disruptive experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch emerges as refined and polished, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication that promises a smooth and comfortable typing experience. It strikes a middle ground with mild and subtle resistance, making it approachable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. The TTC Yunhai switch, while not explicitly detailed, is known for its incredibly light actuation force, suggesting a less resistant feel that could cater to typists who prefer an effortless typing experience. This difference might appeal to users seeking a more relaxed and gentle typing style as opposed to the Fairies' balanced resistance.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy switch offers a muted sound and a polished, mild feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions in shared environments. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch provides a different experience with its light actuation force and potential rounded sound profile, though specifics remain unknown. Both switches offer their unique appeals and may cater to different preferences: the Fairy combines quieter sound with a refined typing experience, while the Yunhai suggests a more effortless style that some typists might cherish. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal comfort and the environment in which they are to be used.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you're often in an office setting or require a switch that offers a smooth, comfortable typing experience over prolonged use, the Akko Fairy is the better option. Its medium weight of 60 grams provides just the right resistance to prevent finger fatigue while still delivering a muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for shared workplaces. The factory-applied lubrication ensures a polished feel, allowing you to enjoy a refined typing journey without causing disturbances. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing feel, the TTC Yunhai with its 50-gram actuation force might be more suited to you. This switch is designed for those who enjoy a gentle, rounded sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience that is delightful to type on. In essence, if you prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience for extended use, opt for the Fairy; however, if you enjoy a light, easy keystroke that provides a bit more acoustic character, the Yunhai may be the way to go.
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