Akko Fairy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch present themselves as contenders worth considering. The Akko Fairy switch boasts a refined, factory-applied lubrication that guarantees a smooth typing experience, making it perfect for office settings. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, the Fairy switch is not only ideal for a quieter workspace but also suitable for extended use during professional tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers an economical solution without compromising quality, with a subtle tactile sensation that provides a gentle bump for a seamless typing flow. The frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting and the medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown lies in the material used for the top housing. While the Fairy features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and more resonant sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly affect the typing experience for users, with the Fairy offering a more muffled and rounded sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a clearer and crisper typing sound.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent level of sound and feel when pressing down on keys, regardless of which switch they choose. While the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, users can anticipate a uniform typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel between the Akko Fairy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown.
In terms of aesthetics, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may have an edge over the Akko Fairy due to its polycarbonate top housing, which allows for RGB lighting to shine through. This feature can make the G Pro 3.0 Brown visually appealing for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects on their keyboards. Conversely, the opaque nature of the nylon top housing on the Akko Fairy may limit its visual versatility. However, in terms of typing experience and sound profile, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with different options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have similar actuation forces, with the Fairy requiring 50 grams and the G Pro 3.0 Brown needing 55 grams. Both switches have medium actuation forces, providing a good balance between typing comfort and responsiveness. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Fairy is lighter at 60 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 63 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, the Fairy may feel slightly lighter to the touch when pressing all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a slightly lighter or heavier keystroke for your typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Akko Fairy. The Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance, providing a quicker response time preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a deeper keystroke, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more satisfying tactile experience.
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 linear switch is known for its muted and neutral characteristics, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a quiet workspace while still enjoying the tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Fairy being more subdued and the G Pro Brown offering a bit more audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and reduced friction. This results in a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for extended use in a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is easy-to-press, mild, and stepped, offering gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate the switch. The stepped feel of the G Pro Brown provides a unique typing experience that is slightly more pronounced compared to the subtle feel of the Fairy switch.
Overall, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Fairy switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, ideal for office settings and extended use. In contrast, the G Pro Brown switch offers a more tactile and audible typing experience, enhanced by its subtle bump and medium-high pitch sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Fairy focusing on comfort and quietness, while the G Pro Brown emphasizes tactility and audible feedback. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance with differing subjective qualities that cater to a range of user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider your environment and preferred typing experience. If you are working in an office setting and prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium weight that promotes comfort during extended use, the Akko Fairy linear switch is an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a subtle tactile sensation, enhanced RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch sound for added enjoyment during typing sessions, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be a suitable fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
