KTT Ash Gray vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can often boil down to tactile sensations and sound profiles. The KTT Ash Gray switch, with its tactile design, provides users with a satisfying yet unobtrusive feedback that strikes a balance between easy actuation and a noticeable tactile bump. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a gentle reminder of each keystroke without the distraction of excessive feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Botany switch offers a completely different experience—its linear design delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, complemented by a lively clacky sound that adds a layer of auditory delight to every press. While the Ash Gray focuses on a subtle tactile experience perfect for unimpeded typing, the Botany is ideal for those who enjoy a more energetic and sonorous feedback. 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
38g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Akko Botany switches present an intriguing comparison in their choice of housing materials, particularly for their top and bottom housings. The KTT Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's relative stiffness. This property lends itself to a clear and resonant auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced sound, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Akko Botany opts for a nylon top housing, which is traditionally known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, embodying a softer touch that appeals to those who favor a more muted acoustic experience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, there is a notable similarity; both the Ash Gray and Botany feature nylon bottom housings. This uniformity in material choice means that both switches will produce a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out, as nylon effectively absorbs sound vibrations, adding a rich quality to the auditory experience. The nuanced difference, however, lies in the overall performance generated by the differing top housing materials. For the KTT Ash Gray, the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top will stand out more, especially during actuation. Conversely, the softer nylon top of the Akko Botany will dampen the sound, leading to a quieter release but still resonating with a rich tone when pressed.
Ultimately, although the Ash Gray and Akko Botany share nylon for their bottom housings, the differing materials for their top housings create unique auditory experiences. Users can expect a brighter and crisper sound profile from the KTT Ash Gray due to its polycarbonate top, while the Akko Botany offers a more subdued and rounded sound characteristic due to its nylon top. This divergence in top materials leads to distinct sensations when typing, particularly during key release versus bottoming out. If looking for a specific sound profile, the choice between these switches will largely depend on personal preference for sound brightness versus richness, while the nylon bottom housing provides a cohesive yet distinct layer of auditory richness that both switches share.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, there are notable differences in their bottom out forces, despite sharing the same actuation force of 38 grams. The Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, whereas the Botany features a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This variance in bottom out force results in a more tactile experience with the Ash Gray, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Akko Botany, being lighter overall, is better suited for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Therefore, while both switches share the same initial actuation force, the Ash Gray's heavier bottom out force lends it a more substantial feel, while the Botany's lighter configuration allows for greater ease during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, the Ash Gray measures 3.5 mm, while the Botany has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Ash Gray will be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can cater to the needs of gamers who favor rapid key presses. In contrast, the Akko Botany's longer travel distance might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the Ash Gray switch provides a more responsive feel, while the Botany caters to users who prefer a gentler approach with a bit more travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch has a neutral profile, achieving a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level that makes it versatile for a range of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This sound quality contributes to a balanced typing experience that won't be distracting or overwhelming, making it suitable for users who seek a more subdued auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its lively, clacky sound that is immediately noticeable and adds an energetic dimension to each keystroke. This distinct acoustic feedback makes the Botany a more pronounced choice for users who enjoy a keyboard that makes its presence known with every action, providing a satisfying auditory engagement.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch offers a light touch with a substantial tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable and unobtrusive. The easy-to-press design allows for minimal resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Its mild characteristics ensure that users experience a gentle yet responsive typing sensation, making it an appealing choice for both novices and seasoned typists alike. The Botany's feel, while not explicitly detailed, can be generally inferred to be smooth given its linear nature. Linear switches typically provide a consistent press from top to bottom without any tactile bump or resistance, making them especially appealing for users who prefer a more fluid typing action.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Akko Botany switches cater to distinct user preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray offers a more subdued auditory experience with a comfortable, mild tactile response, while the Botany delivers a lively sound profile with a smooth linear feel. Those who appreciate a balanced typing experience will likely gravitate towards the Ash Gray, while those looking for more auditory feedback may find the Botany's clacky noise more engaging. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to individual preferences regarding sound and tactile experience, but both switches promise to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a balanced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without being too forceful, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light activation force of 53 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for long hours of work or gaming. The crisp, subtle tactile response helps to reduce finger fatigue while providing enough feedback to keep your typing accurate and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an engaging sound profile, the Akko Botany may be the better option. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, it demands less effort to actuate, which can be appealing for those who prioritize speed and quick successive key presses. Additionally, the lively clacky sound it produces adds a fun auditory element to your typing, making it a great choice for casual use or if you enjoy the acoustic satisfaction of your switches. Ultimately, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs—whether it’s the tactile reliability of the Ash Gray or the light and lively nature of the Botany.
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