Gateron Beer vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference often dictates the ideal choice, and two popular contenders are the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch. The Gateron Beer, inspired by the effervescence of a Tsingtao beer bottle, features a lightweight design with a unique stepped tactility that offers a more nuanced feedback compared to traditional tactile switches. Its distinctive clacky sound adds an additional layer of enjoyment, making it a favorite for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Botany switch shines with its smooth, linear action, providing a distraction-free typing experience. With a crisp sound that results in a lively feedback from the keystroke, the Botany is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless flow without tactile interruptions. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, making them appealing choices in their own right; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer switch utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, imparting a distinct sharpness and clarity to its sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a pronounced acoustics while typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual impact of RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through with brilliant clarity. As a result, the Gateron Beer switch offers a consistently bright and resonant sound that appeals to enthusiasts looking for performance and aesthetic quality combined.
In contrast, the Akko Botany switch incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which characteristically produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a more subdued auditory experience that can feel more rounded and warm during use. This plushness in sound may appeal to users who prefer a softer and less harsh typing environment. The opaque nature of nylon may limit the RGB lighting effect, resulting in a more muted visual display when compared to switches with polycarbonate housings.
Though the Gateron Beer and Akko Botany switches feature different housing materials, the inherent qualities each material brings to the switches result in diverse typing experiences. With both switches utilizing the same materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a harmonious integration of sound and feel; however, the Beer switch will cater to users who appreciate a sharper, crisper typing sound, while the Botany switch will resonate more with those who prefer a fuller and deeper auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, showcasing the impact that housing materials have on the overall keyboard experience.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 38 grams, making them equally light in this aspect, which is advantageous for typists and gamers who prefer prolonged use without fatigue. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Beer switch has a slightly higher force of 50 grams compared to the Botany's 45 grams. This difference means that while both switches are comfortable to activate, the Gateron Beer will require a bit more effort to fully bottom out, providing a slightly more substantial feel in that stage. Thus, users who prefer a marginally heavier tactile experience might lean toward the Gateron Beer, while those favoring a lighter touch might opt for the Akko Botany. Overall, while both switches offer a light typing experience in terms of actuation, the Beer switch's heavier bottom out force distinguishes it slightly from the Botany.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, we find that the Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Botany measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Beer the shorter option, offering a slightly more responsive feel suitable for gamers who prefer quicker keypresses for faster response times. On the other hand, the Akko Botany's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may be favored by users who appreciate a fuller feedback when typing or gaming. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Beer is better for those seeking a more immediate response, while the Botany appeals to those who like a more pronounced key action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer switches have a distinctive clacky sound profile, characterized by a crisp and bright resonance that creates a lively typing experience. This sharp and percussive sound makes each keystroke feel satisfying, appealing to those who appreciate an audible feedback while typing. In comparison, while the Akko Botany switches are also noted for producing a clacky sound, specific details about their sound character have not been provided. However, it can be inferred that both switches will likely deliver an engaging auditory experience, though the Beer switches may offer a more defined clarity due to their described sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switches stand out with their lightweight actuation and stepped tactility. This design allows for a gentle resistance that makes typing not only effortless but also reduces finger fatigue over extended periods of use. The two-stage tactile feedback gives typists a unique sensation during their keystrokes, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Akko Botany switches remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in feel. However, if they share a similar design philosophy, one might expect a light and enjoyable typing experience, even without specific details.
In summary, the Gateron Beer tactile switches offer a pronounced clacky sound and a comfortable, lightweight typing feel with their stepped tactility, creating an engaging and satisfying experience. While the Akko Botany switches also promise an appealing sound quality, the lack of detailed information about their tactile characteristics leaves an element of mystery. Despite this, both options ultimately cater to those seeking a lively and enjoyable typing sensation, and if one appreciates the Beer switches, they might be equally pleased with the Botany switches should they align well with personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Gateron Beer tactile switches and Akko Botany linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that is both light and distinctly stepped, embodying the sensation of gentle resistance, then the Beer switch might be your ideal pick. With its clacky sound signature, it offers a playful auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment, particularly for those engaging in extended sessions where finger fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke that prioritizes speed and fluidity, the Akko Botany linear switch would serve you well. Its slightly lower actuation force combined with a crisp, lively sound could be more appealing if you're focused on agility and a quieter typing experience. Therefore, reflect on whether you desire tactile nuances or a smooth, linear action to guide your decision—each switch can elevate your typing experience in its own right.
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