Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and Akko Botany offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Aliaz switch is designed for quiet environments, such as offices, where its silent operation and medium-heavy weight provide a tactile feedback that many users appreciate without the distraction of noise. This combination makes the Aliaz an ideal choice for those who seek a smooth and subdued typing experience, characterized by its silky, muted, and polished feel. In contrast, the Akko Botany switch embraces a lively, clacky sound that can add a fun and expressive element to typing. The Botany's linear response provides a seamless keypress experience, making it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prefer a rapid, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. While both switches cater to unique preferences—one prioritizing silence and tactile feedback and the other emphasizing sound and fluidity—each has its own merits that can enhance your 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
60g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Akko Botany switches feature different housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Gateron Aliaz employs a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which, due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, results in a sharp, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, making them particularly effective for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the light can pass through more clearly. This combination of materials contributes to a crisp and resonant audio experience, making the Aliaz switches an excellent choice for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
In contrast, the Akko Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, offering a markedly different sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics tend to absorb sound, yielding a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This material choice leads to a rounder and more muted sound when compared to its polycarbonate counterpart, creating a more subdued typing experience. The nylon housing provides a comfortable feel and promotes a typing experience that many users may find warmer and less harsh, appealing to those who prefer a gentler auditory signal during use. The use of nylon also emphasizes dampened keystrokes, reducing the chance of disturbing others in quieter settings.
Ultimately, while the Aliaz and Botany switches embody distinct sound profiles due to their differing housing materials, the impact of these materials is nuanced. The combination of the stiffer polycarbonate in the Aliaz results in a distinct auditory feedback that stands in contrast to the softer and more subdued characteristics of the nylon used in the Botany. If one were to mix elements from both switches, like pairing a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom, the result could be a hybrid experience that blends sharpness with depth. This underscores the importance of understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, with specific outcomes shaped by the combined effects of the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aliaz requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Botany switch has a much lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor a lighter touch for more extended typing sessions. This disparity means that the Aliaz provides more resistance, appealing to typists who like a firmer push, while the Botany’s lighter forces offer reduced fatigue for longer use. Overall, if you're prioritizing lighter feedback and less strain during extensive use, the Akko Botany linear switch is the preferable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Gateron Aliaz offers a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and better suited for users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Botany linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, especially beneficial for gaming scenarios. While both switches serve different preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness, the Aliaz’s longer travel distance may appeal to users looking for a more traditional feel, whereas the Botany provides a more immediate action for rapid tasks. If users prioritize a hearty depth, the Aliaz is the clear choice; however, those favoring speed may lean towards the Botany.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, a stark contrast emerges. The Aliaz switches are designed for quiet environments, producing a muted sound profile that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them particularly suitable for office settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. On the other hand, the Botany switches excel in delivering a crispy, lively clacky sound from the moment they're used, creating an engaging auditory experience. The distinct sound of the Botany switches adds an element of excitement to typing, making them a fun choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch offers an exceptionally silky and polished typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and minimal resistance. This silky sensation is complemented by a medium-heavy weight that provides enough feedback without being overwhelming, making it ideal for those who enjoy a substantial keystroke feel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Botany switches is unknown, which makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, it is reasonable to assume that their linear design contributes to a different tactile sensation, likely prioritizing smoothness over pronounced feedback.
In conclusion, the Aliaz tactile switch and the Botany linear switch cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet, refined typing experience, the Aliaz would be the better option with its muted sound and silky feel. Conversely, if you're looking for a more vibrant auditory feedback along with a smooth keypress, the Botany switches are likely to satisfy that need. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a quieter, polished experience against a more lively, engaging sound and potentially smoother feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you often find yourself in quiet settings, like an office or shared workspace, the Aliaz would be an excellent fit, thanks to its silent design and medium-heavy weight of 75 grams. This switch delivers a substantial tactile feedback that caters to those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience while minimizing noise disruptions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more responsive feel, the Botany switch is ideal for you, boasting a bottom-out force of only 45 grams. Its lively, clacky sound adds character to your typing, making it perfect for home environments or casual gaming sessions where auditory feedback enhances the experience. Additionally, with the Aliaz, you can enjoy a silky and polished typing experience, which may be missed with the Botany. In short, consider the Aliaz for a quieter, tactile typing experience and the Botany for a lighter, more vibrant one, tailoring your switch choice to your specific needs and surroundings.
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