Akko Fairy vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Akko Fairy is ideal for office environments, with its smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying presses and comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle tactile bump for those who enjoy nuanced feedback without loud keystrokes, making it perfect for immersive typing experiences. Both switches offer polished and subtle characteristics, but the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out with its unique thocky and stepped attributes. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Brown Pro offer contrasting sound profiles based on their different compositions. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic composition. This results in a noticeable difference in sound quality and tone between the two switches, with the Fairy offering a rounder sound and the Gold Brown Pro providing a more resonant and clear sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Fairy and the Gold Brown Pro use nylon, which results in a similar sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feedback. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience when pressing down on the keys, regardless of which switch they choose.
Overall, the difference in top housing material between the Akko Fairy and the TTC Gold Brown Pro leads to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Despite the difference in top housing material, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feedback. Whether users prefer a rounder sound or a more resonant tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Fairy switch is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force. The Akko Fairy requires 50 grams for actuation and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a medium resistance level. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, but it is clear that it is lighter compared to the Fairy switch. This makes the Gold Brown Pro a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Akko Fairy is better suited for individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the option chosen.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. The Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the Gold Brown Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance. If you prefer a snappier feel and faster key presses, the Akko Fairy may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and tactility in your key presses, the Gold Brown Pro with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Fairy switch offers a more muted and neutral sound experience, making it ideal for office settings where a quieter environment is desired. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro switch is described as producing a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound, creating a deep and rich typing experience that is still not overly loud. Both switches cater to users who prefer a more subdued sound profile, ensuring that each keystroke is not disruptive.
In terms of feel, both the Akko Fairy and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches are praised for their polished and mild characteristics, providing users with a smooth and refined typing experience. The Fairy switch is noted for its polished and subtle feel, offering gentle resistance and a sleek key travel that is ideal for extended use in shared spaces. Similarly, the Gold Brown Pro switch boasts a polished and silky feel, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance while typing. The addition of a stepped feature provides a nuanced tactile feedback, allowing users to feel distinct stages within the keystroke. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch both cater to individuals who value a quieter and more refined typing experience. While the Fairy switch emphasizes a muted sound profile and subtle feel suitable for professional settings, the Gold Brown Pro switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound and silky, stepped feel that enhances tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics, ensuring that users can enjoy a pleasant and immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a medium weight that is ideal for office settings, the Fairy switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile that allows for immersive typing without distraction, the Gold Brown Pro switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the Fairy switch is best suited for those looking for a refined and balanced typing experience, while the Gold Brown Pro switch caters to individuals seeking a nuanced tactile feel with minimal noise. Consider your workspace environment and typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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