Akko Botany vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and TTC Brother offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany is a linear switch best known for its smooth keystrokes and lively, clacky sound that produces a crisp auditory feedback right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for users who value a quieter typing experience without compromising on performance. On the other hand, the TTC Brother is a clicky switch renowned for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. With its crunchy sound signature and distinct tactile bump, the Brother is perfect for those who revel in auditory and tactile feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches have their merits—smoothness versus pronounced feedback—each offers a unique typing experience suited to different users' needs. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and the TTC Brother switches, a key distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Brother switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer construction lends itself to generating clearer and more resonant sound qualities, making an immediate impact on the audible feedback when typing. While both switches may provide satisfying typing experiences, the differences in material influence the overall acoustic signature significantly.
In the case of their bottom housings, however, both the Akko Botany and the TTC Brother switches employ nylon as the material of choice. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile stemming from the qualities of nylon. The inherent properties of nylon, which include sound absorption and a softer texture, contribute to the bottom-out sound and tactile feel of the switch. This means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches share a bond in the characteristics imparted by their nylon bottom housings, leading to a consistent and familiar foundation in typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials creates a multifaceted typing experience for both the Akko Botany and TTC Brother switches. While the contrasting nature of the top housings introduces unique sound profiles—one being rich and rounded and the other being sharp and resonant—the nylon bottom housings ensure that some auditory consistency is maintained. When pressing down on either switch, the user will encounter the dulcet qualities of nylon, which dictate the bottom-out feel, while the varying top materials influence the sound upon release. Thus, while they may diverge in certain aspects due to their differing top materials, the incorporation of nylon in both bottom housings offers a unified experience at the base level.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch exhibit some interesting differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Brother switch remains unspecified. The Akko Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams, which designates it as a light switch, promoting comfortable typing over extended periods or during long gaming sessions. In comparison, the TTC Brother clicky switch has a marginally lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it even more suitable for users who prefer lesser resistance. However, since the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, we can't compare this aspect directly; thus, the complete typing experience it offers remains somewhat ambiguous. In terms of typing feel, the Botany's bottom out force of 45 grams indicates a firmer conclusion to the keystroke, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial pushback sensation. Overall, the Akko Botany is heavier in terms of bottom out force while both switches have relatively light actuation forces; however, the lack of data regarding the Brother's bottom out force prevents a comprehensive comparison.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Botany switch, you’ll experience a bit more depth with each keypress compared to the Brother switch. Both switches fall within a modern range appreciated by gamers for their responsiveness, though the 0.1 mm difference may seem minor. If you prefer the snappiness and faster actuation associated with shorter travel distances, the Brother switch could be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, the Botany with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, while both switches are close in travel distance, the Botany offers a deeper experience than the Brother.
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 TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound that many users find appealing in a linear switch. It offers a clear auditory feedback that sets it apart from other non-clicky switches, making it enjoyable for those who like some sonic character in their typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch is renowned for its satisfying crunchy sound signature. The audible feedback resembles the delightful crunch of stepping on autumn leaves, offering precise clicks that resonate with clicky switch enthusiasts. Both switches contribute unique sound profiles, but the Botany leans towards a liveliness typical of linear switches while the Brother emphasizes a tactile, clicky experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany linear switch remains unmentioned, but the TTC Brother clicky switch excels with its light actuation force of just 37g, creating an effortless typing experience. This switch is characterized as easy to press, offering gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother features a distinctly stepped tactile bump that allows for clear feedback without overwhelming the user. This combination of lightness and tactile response enhances the overall typing comfort, contrasting with linear switches, which typically prioritize smoothness over tactile feedback.
In summary, while the Akko Botany linear switch is recognized for its crisp sound and smooth operation, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out with its crunchy auditory feedback and light, easy-to-press feel. The tactile experience of the Brother, with its stepped bump, provides a unique typing sensation that may appeal to those who enjoy interactive feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel: if you prefer a lively sound and a smooth keystroke, the Botany might be your go-to, whereas if you favor a satisfying click and a responsive typing experience, the Brother will likely be more to your liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek in your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a smooth and responsive typing experience with a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate a quiet environment and the simplicity of linear switches. These switches are ideal for users who type extensively and prefer a less distracting sound profile. On the other hand, if you relish the satisfying feedback of a clicky switch, the TTC Brother will prove to be an exceptional option. With its lighter 37 grams actuation and delightfully crunchy sound, it elevates the tactile typing experience and is perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a more understated and fluid keystroke with the Botany or a lively and engaging clicky interaction with the Brother.
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