HMX Game1989 vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and Akko Botany offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound and robust feel, making it a favorite for gamers seeking response and durability, while its unique characteristics are complemented by a satisfying tactile sensation that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the Akko Botany also delivers a linear experience, but with a crisper and more lively clacky sound that adds an engaging auditory feedback to each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate a bit more liveliness in their typing experience. Both switches cater to specific preferences, with the HMX 1989 focused on a deeper, fuller sound, while the Akko Botany leans toward a brighter and more stimulating auditory profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX 1989 and the Akko Botany provide distinct auditory experiences due to their differing properties. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a choice that lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics. This material enhances the switch's clarity and resonance, making it particularly suited for types that benefit from pronounced RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impactful light diffusion. In striking contrast, the Akko Botany employs nylon for its top housing, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Thus, while the HMX 1989 is designed for clearer auditory feedback, the Botany aims for a warmer and more enveloping typing experience.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the HMX 1989 and Akko Botany share a commonality through the employment of nylon, which is celebrated as a classic material for switch housings. This similarity results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. The nylon bottom housing in the HMX 1989 contributes to a smoother bottom-out sound and feel, fostering an environment conducive to soft and controlled typing. Likewise, the Botany’s nylon bottom housing delivers a similar auditory experience, marked by its sound-absorbing qualities. Both models, therefore, create a consistent experience from the bottom portion of the switch, leading to a satisfying tactile interaction during typing, though the overall sound profile is affected by their contrasting top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay of housing materials between the two switches is pivotal in shaping user experience. The HMX 1989’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a unique sound profile characterized by clarity and a pronounced response, ideal for users who thrive on feedback and sound nuances. In contrast, the Akko Botany's all-nylon construction promotes a consistently warm and muted acoustic atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a cushioned and serene typing experience. While both models harness the benefits of nylon's sound absorption in their bottom housings, the fundamental difference in their top housings dictates the overall auditory experience and tactile feedback users will encounter, demonstrating how diverse materials can result in both shared and divergent outcomes in keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch to the Akko Botany linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of feel. In contrast, the Akko Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch and easier activation. Essentially, this means that typists or gamers who appreciate a lighter switch may find the Akko Botany more comfortable for extended use, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might favor the slightly heavier HMX 1989. In terms of overall weight, the HMX 1989 is the heavier option, offering a more resistant feel with its higher force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Botany linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may lead to distinct typing experiences; the HMX provides a deeper feel, which can be appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. In contrast, the Akko Botany’s shorter travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, often preferred by gamers. If you're seeking an option that allows for a more rapid actuation, the Botany is the better choice. However, for users who appreciate a more substantial keypress, the HMX 1989 will deliver a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, your preference for either switch may depend on whether you lean towards a more responsive feel or a traditional, robust typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is celebrated for its deep, thocky acoustics, which make it an excellent choice for users who crave a substantial auditory response. This characteristic provides a rich bass tone when typing, enhancing the overall experience and adding a sense of presence to each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp and lively clacky sound from the moment you start using it. While both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, the HMX 1989 leans towards a deeper resonance, making it ideal for those who prefer a more muted sound profile, while the Botany's sharper tones cater to users who enjoy an energetic and responsive sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, allowing for fluid typing without the interruption of tactile feedback often found in other types of switches. This smoothness lends itself well to speed and precision, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Akko Botany linear switch maintains a refined linear feel, providing users with a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and comfortable. This consistency across both switches makes them appealing for long typing sessions, but the preference for one over the other would come down to the subtle nuances of texture and feedback during use.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. While the HMX 1989 is characterized by its deep, thocky sound and smooth feel, the Botany contrasts this with its crisp sound and balanced smoothness. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer an earthy tone or a more vibrant auditory profile, as well as the specific typing experience you desire. Both switches will deliver linear performance, but the choice of sound and feel will define your individual typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for both sound and feel, as well as the force you like to use when typing or gaming. If you prefer a switch that provides a medium-light bottom-out force, along with a robust, thocky feedback, the HMX 1989 might be your ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a deeper sound profile that adds weight to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you favor a switch that feels lighter with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, and offers a more crisp, lively sound, the Akko Botany is likely to be more suited to your style. Its direct and responsive feedback can enhance your typing experience, lending an energetic quality to your keystrokes. Therefore, consider what type of experience matters most to you: if it's the deep, resonant sound and solid feel, go for the HMX 1989; if you seek a lightweight switch with a brighter auditory experience, the Akko Botany should be your pick.
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