Akko Fairy vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Fairy and HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy is renowned for its ideal suitability in office environments, boasting factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is distinguished by its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Fairy switch emphasizes a polished, muted, and mild typing experience, the Xinhai switch offers a bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences and specific needs. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the HMX Xinhai provide different sound profiles due to their distinct properties. The Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer nature that enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials are known for their unique sound characteristics, they offer contrasting experiences for users seeking specific sound profiles in their keyboards.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Xinhai utilize nylon, resulting in similar sound profiles that are deep and full. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound due to its soft properties that absorb more sound. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switches ensures a uniform typing experience in terms of sound profile, despite the differences in the top housings between the two keyboards.
In cases where the top and bottom housings differ within a switch, the qualities of each housing material are separated between the two parts, impacting the sound and feel differently. The bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. This distinction allows for a nuanced typing experience, with users able to appreciate the unique characteristics of both the top and bottom housing materials in their keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The Akko Fairy has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The Xinhai switch is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Fairy switch provides a more substantial typing feel with heavier forces, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push for their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and feel of the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times. The Fairy has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quick, precise movements. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to key presses for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance in relation to responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 HMX Xinhai comes in at $3.50 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 it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral experience, making it suitable for office environments where a quieter typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharper and more percussive typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Fairy focusing on a softer and more subtle sound, while the Xinhai delivers a crisper and brighter sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is characterized by its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. While the Fairy switch focuses on a more refined and approachable typing feel, the Xinhai switch emphasizes a lively bounce and a silky, gliding sensation with each keystroke.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch appeals to those looking for a refined and comfortable typing experience with a muted sound profile ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a distinct blend of sharp sound and smooth feel, catering to users seeking a crisper typing experience with a lively bounce. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a mechanical keyboard switch that suits their individual needs and typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a medium bottom out force, refined lubrication for a smooth typing experience, and a more muted and polished sound and feel, then the Akko Fairy linear switch would be the ideal choice for you, especially in an office setting where a quieter workspace is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a unique acoustics profile with a crisper sound, and a bouncy or creamy typing feel, then the HMX Xinhai linear switch may be more suited to your preferences and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so it's important to consider what characteristics are most important to you when making your decision.
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