Akko Fairy vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences catering to different preferences. The Fairy switches are ideal for office settings with their smooth typing experience, factory-applied lubrication, and medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfaction and comfort. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and high-precision molds for reliable performance. While the Fairy switches cater to those seeking a quieter workspace and extended use comfort, the Jupiter Brown switches blend tradition with innovation for a tactile typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are quite different in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate material of the Jupiter Brown allows for better visibility of RGB lighting, giving it a distinct advantage in terms of aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, they share the same nylon material, resulting in a similar deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound in both the Fairy and the Jupiter Brown switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches, despite their differences in top housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Fairy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetics. If you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone, the Fairy's nylon top and bottom housing may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with better RGB lighting visibility, the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing could be the better choice. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Fairy is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Jupiter Brown. The Fairy requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Jupiter Brown needs 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Fairy again is lighter, requiring 60 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Jupiter Brown is slightly heavier, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Akko Fairy would be the better option. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out force between the two switches offer users the ability to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Fairy has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Fairy provides a more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers for faster key presses. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Jupiter Brown offers a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Fairy switch produces a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to the neutral sound profile of the Jupiter Brown switch. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes, whether in a professional setting or at home. The actual sound produced by the switches will also be influenced by the keyboard's build quality and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, showcasing a more classic tactile feel with a two-stage keystroke sensation. Both switches fall within the realm of approachable and safe typing experiences, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
Considering the information available, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer excellent options for those seeking a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. While the Fairy switch is more tailored towards a quieter workspace with its muted sound and refined feel, the Jupiter Brown switch strikes a balance between tradition and innovation with its classic tactile keystroke and enhanced backlight effects. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience in an office setting, the Fairy switch with its medium weight and factory-applied lubrication is an excellent choice. It offers a perfect balance between resistance and fatigue, making it ideal for extended use during daily professional tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that combines tradition with innovation and offers a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight, the Jupiter Brown switch is the way to go. Its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects add both performance and aesthetic appeal to your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you value a quiet, smooth typing experience (Fairy) or a tactile, traditional feel with a modern twist (Jupiter Brown).
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