Akko Botany vs. Kailh Box Royal

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, your choice can greatly influence both your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Akko Botany switches, recognized for their lively clacky sound right out of the box, offer a smooth linear feel that many typists and gamers prefer for fast, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal switch caters to enthusiasts who crave a pronounced tactile feedback with its sharp, binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive feel that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. While both switches have their strengths—whether it be the Botany's smoothness or the Box Royal's distinct tactile sensation—the choice ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and the Kailh Box Royal switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, which plays a significant role in their acoustic properties and overall feel. For both switches, the nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's inherent characteristics as a softer plastic. This softer material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounded sound quality that many users find appealing. The similarity in the housing material means that users can expect comparable auditory experiences when typing, making both switches attractive options for those prioritizing sound dampening and a pleasant typing feel.

Moreover, the impact of the nylon housing on the typing experience is evident in both switches. With identical housing materials for both the top and bottom, the qualities of the nylon are uniformly distributed across the entire switch. When pressed, both the Akko Botany and Kailh Box Royal switches will yield a sound and feel that reflects the acoustic absorption capabilities of nylon. As a result, key presses will produce a consistent and satisfying bottom-out sound, while the release of the key will also retain that softer, more muted auditory profile attributed to nylon. This shared material leads to a cohesive experience, ensuring that typists enjoy the benefits of nylon regardless of the switch they choose.

In contrast, if the top and bottom housings were to differ in material for either switch, the character of the sound profile would split according to the respective housing roles. A switch with a harder plastic bottom housing might produce a more pronounced sound upon bottoming out, while a softer plastic top might still allow for a muted key release. However, since both the Akko Botany and Kailh Box Royal switches use uniform nylon for both top and bottom housings, they present a harmonized typing experience. Thus, users seeking a consistent depth of sound and tactile feedback can confidently select either switch, as they both harness the qualities inherent in nylon throughout their entire structure.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to varying typing preferences. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Box Royal switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a substantially higher bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback that some typists may prefer for a more substantial feel. This means that while both switches have similar actuation forces, the Botany switch remains the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and ease during longer typing tasks, while the Box Royal is better suited for users who appreciate a firmer push and tactile response in their typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Given that their travel distances are equal, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress depth and feel when typing or gaming. This consistency means that neither switch offers a shorter or longer travel experience, allowing for comparable performance in various applications. Whether one prefers the linear feel of the Botany or the tactile feedback of the Box Royal, the travel distance remains consistent across both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch is renowned for its crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This setup provides an energetic atmosphere, with sound quality often resulting from the material and construction of the switch itself. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound, characterized by a sharp and crisp profile. If you're looking to avoid the deeper, richer tones found in some switches, the Box Royal will deliver a more piercing auditory experience, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany's tactile qualities remain undisclosed in the information provided. However, the Kailh Box Royal is described as offering a sharp tactile experience, marked by its strong and distinct tactile bump. This allows for high feedback intensity, ensuring that typists can feel every keypress with clarity and precision. As a result, the Box Royal is ideal for those who appreciate aggressive feedback and want to enhance their typing accuracy.

In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch excels with its lively clacky sound, while the Kailh Box Royal switch provides a higher-pitched tone with a pronounced tactile feel. The Botany may appeal to users who prioritize a sound-first experience, whereas the Box Royal is tailored for those who favor sharp tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, and understanding their unique qualities can help newcomers make informed choices in their mechanical keyboard journey.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter actuation with a more whimsical, clacky sound, the Akko Botany switch is the way to go, especially if you're a typist or gamer who enjoys a lively feedback without feeling fatigued during long keyboard sessions. The Botany's lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced typing and gaming, where quick key presses are necessary. Conversely, if you seek a pronounced tactile feedback experience while typing, the Kailh Box Royal switch is ideal for you. With its medium-heavy 70 grams bottom-out force and sharp, aggressive tactility, you'll experience a satisfying and defined bump that provides reassurance with every keystroke, making it particularly appealing for those who value tactile responsiveness. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile of the Box Royal is perfect for users who prefer a sharper auditory feedback. In summary, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a light and lively linear experience with the Botany or a robust and tactile feedback mechanism with the Box Royal. Each switch serves distinct typing preferences, ensuring that your choice enhances your overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more