Akko Botany vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Keygeek Briny both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Botany switches are renowned for their sharp, lively clackiness right from the box, providing an engaging auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Briny switches deliver a balanced sound profile thanks to their UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, offering a more subdued typing experience that may appeal to those seeking a quieter operation. While the Botany may be perfect for users who thrive on feedback and a bit of sound while typing, the Briny serves those who prioritize a smoother interaction and a more refined acoustic presence. Ultimately, both switches deliver satisfying linear performance, but it's essential to delve deeper into their unique attributes to determine which switch will best meet your personal typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Keygeek Briny both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which results in a similar auditory experience during typing. Nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, mainly due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This characteristic is integral to creating a more rounded, less harsh sound as it absorbs sound vibrations effectively. Consequently, users of both the Botany and Briny can expect a similar tactile and auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. With both keyboards employing identical materials, the resulting sound profile is expectedly muted and pleasant, aligning with a preference for a cushioned auditory response.
In addition to the auditory similarities, the construction of both the Botany and Briny with nylon for their bottom housings reinforces the shared tonal qualities of these switches. The bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel upon keystroke. Since both keyboards are made from the same material, users will experience consistent feedback as they press down on the switches. This emphasis on nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a satisfying typing experience, allowing for smooth keystrokes and a comfortable tactile sensation. Users can appreciate this uniform sensation as they navigate their tasks, highlighting the benefits of using nylon in multiple housing components.
While the materials are the same, it's worth noting that if either keyboard were to have differing materials for the top or bottom housing, the typing experience would vary depending on how each material interacts with the overall sound and feel. However, since both the Botany and Briny utilize nylon for both layers, the split between top and bottom sound qualities is minimized. Thus, users will enjoy a consistent performance across both keyboards, making them excellent options for those seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience. With a unified material choice, both the Botany and Briny promise durable switches that maintain a pleasing auditory and tactile feedback throughout their use.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who seek a softer feel and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. As such, the Botany is the lighter option, while the Briny is the heavier one. These differences in force characteristics suggest that the Botany will be more suitable for users who type extensively or require comfort during long gaming sessions, whereas the Briny may appeal more to those who appreciate a firmer push with each keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing each key. This equality in travel distance indicates that both switches will provide a comparable tactile experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes in typing or gaming scenarios. As a result, individuals who favor smooth and consistent linear switches will find that either option meets their needs effectively.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by its crisp and lively clacky feedback that resonates right out of the box, making it an engaging option for typists who enjoy auditory stimulation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, crafted from an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which lends itself to a more mellow audio experience. It's important to note that the sound of any mechanical switch can be influenced by additional factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so personal preference plays a significant role in the overall auditory experience.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Botany switch provides a distinctive tactile sensation that appeals to those who appreciate a lively typing experience. Its design enhances the feedback during keypresses, making it feel responsive and engaging. On the other hand, the Briny switch offers a smoother operation, as is typical of linear switches, which caters to users who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes. This seamless feel may appeal to gamers or typists who favor a less tactile, more fluid typing experience.
In summary, both the Akko Botany and Keygeek Briny linear switches offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Botany shines in its crisp and lively sound, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Briny provides a more balanced and subdued audio profile. In terms of feel, the Botany delivers a lively tactile response, whereas the Briny focuses on smoothness and fluidity. Those who choose between these switches will find that both can yield enjoyable typing experiences, dependent on personal preferences for sound and tactility.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and tactile experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a crisp, lively clacky sound right from the start, then the Akko Botany is likely the better option for you; it’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy a playful and responsive typing experience without needing to put in too much effort. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch and appreciate a more balanced sound with a solid feel, the Keygeek Briny, with its medium 60-gram bottom-out force and smooth action, might be more suitable. This switch caters well to those who prioritize a durable typing experience and a rich auditory feedback that’s neither too sharp nor too muted. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not just the specifications of each switch, but your individual typing style and the kind of sensory feedback you find most satisfying.