Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Botany present two enticing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Black Lotus is revered for its silky smooth feel and superb precision, minimizing housing and stem wobble for an enjoyable typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing. Additionally, its unique light column allows for in-switch lighting that can be fully removed for customization. In contrast, the Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their distinctive, lively clacky sound that brings a vibrant auditory element to each keystroke, ensuring every tap feels engaging. Though both options offer a linear feel, the Black Lotus focuses on smooth performance, while the Botany emphasizes a more energetic feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
POM
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Botany switches, a notable distinction lies in the top housing composition. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), which provides a unique and premium tactile experience. This material combination enhances durability and responsiveness, giving the switch a lively feedback upon actuation. In contrast, the Botany features a traditional nylon top housing, known for its classic properties. This type of plastic is softer than the modified blends and contributes to a deeper sound profile, offering a more subdued acoustic experience when the key is released.
Interestingly, both switches share uniformity in their bottom housing, as they are both constructed from nylon. This choice of material in the bottom housing fosters a similar auditory characteristic across both models. The nylon's inherent sound-absorbing properties yield a rounded sound profile that enriches the overall typing experience. Consequently, both switches provide enhanced sound dynamics when bottoming out, thanks to the softness of the nylon. The effect is that users can enjoy a complementary sound signature, reinforcing a deeper and fuller acoustic response whether using the Durock Black Lotus or the Akko Botany.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This shared material guarantees that both switches deliver a similar bottom-out sound and overall feel while typing. The distinctive tactile and sound qualities derived from their different top housing designs allow each switch to cater to specific preferences, making them appealing options for enthusiasts seeking varied acoustic experiences. Users looking for a more pronounced and premium actuation may favor the Black Lotus, while those who prefer the classic traits of nylon might lean towards the Botany, resulting in distinct yet complementary keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Black Lotus features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Botany is much lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter touch can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. As a result, the Black Lotus is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Botany caters to users seeking ease and efficiency in their keystrokes. Overall, the key difference lies in their weights, with the Botany being the lighter and more suitable option for extended use, and the Black Lotus presenting a more tactile experience for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Black Lotus having a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Botany measures at 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Black Lotus provides a more traditional and deeper feel, appealing to users who prefer a hearty depth during key presses. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Botany aligns with the modern trend favoring quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers or those who prioritize speed and efficiency over depth. Ultimately, users must choose based on their preference for either a more pronounced typing experience or a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus is relatively understated, likely leaning towards a smooth and subtle profile due to its construction. However, since its specific acoustic qualities were not detailed, we can conclude that it doesn’t produce a pronounced noise, making it a suitable option for quieter environments or users who prefer less auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko Botany switch features a crisp and lively clack right out of the box, designed to provide an engaging auditory experience that can be appealing to many enthusiasts. This inherent sound quality makes the Botany more suitable for those who appreciate an audible response when typing, ensuring that the tactile engagement aligns with the sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus excels with its silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. Each descriptor points to a meticulously crafted design that offers smoothness and minimal resistance during keystrokes, ensuring a pleasant typing experience that can be appreciated by various users. This fullness in feel gives the Black Lotus a sophisticated touch that enhances precision in typing. On the other hand, the Akko Botany’s feel has not been explicitly described, leaving its tactile experience open to interpretation. Potential users may need to consider personal preferences or additional reviews to fully understand the typing sensation offered by the Botany.
In summary, while the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is all about providing a whisper-quiet yet smooth typing experience, the Akko Botany linear switch is designed to deliver a lively and loud acoustic feedback with a potentially unknown feel. Depending on your priorities—whether it's noise level or a more pronounced typing engagement—you might lean towards one switch over the other. Ultimately, both switches have the potential to meet different user needs, and personal experience will be key in determining which is the best fit for typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, consider what type of typing experience you desire. The Black Lotus is ideal for those who appreciate a medium-heavy tactile feel combined with silky-smooth actuation; its 63.5g bottom-out force and well-crafted precision result in a refined typing experience that minimizes wobble and enhances control—perfect for tasks requiring accuracy, such as programming or writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and livelier feel, the Botany's 45g bottom-out force and crisp, clacky sound profile will appeal to you, offering a more playful and engaging typing session without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. Ultimately, choose the Black Lotus if you seek a polished, buttery feel for focused productivity, while the Botany is better suited for those looking to inject some fun into their typing routine with a lively acoustic and lighter action. By considering your personal preferences in weight and sound, you can select the switch that best fits your typing style.
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