Akko Botany vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron CAP Anniversary present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their keystrokes. Its design prioritizes responsiveness, which appeals to gamers and typists who thrive on the tactile sensation of each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches offer an exceptionally smooth experience, thanks to their innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic principles. With features designed to minimize resistance and enhance stability, these switches cater to users who prefer a seamless and polished key feel while typing. Both switches showcase unique characteristics that could satisfy distinct user preferences, whether you lean towards an engaging sound profile or a fluid typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches, a notable distinction lies in the top housing composition. The Botany switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound that is both dull and round, qualities that many users find appealing for a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This structural stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisper auditory feedback during typing. This difference in materials lends each switch a unique acoustic signature, affecting the overall typing experience and user preferences.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both the Botany and CAP Anniversary switches align in their use of nylon for the bottom section. With nylon being a classic switch housing material, both switches yield a similar sound profile that is deep and full when bottoming out. This uniformity suggests that the bottom housing will feel and sound quite similar in both switches, as the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities serve efficiently to create an overall muted bottom-out experience. Users who appreciate pronounced feedback will find that both switches provide a gratifying auditory response during actuation, despite the differing top housings.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials significantly influence the acoustics of each switch, while the nylon bottom housing maintains consistency between them. A user typing on both switches will experience the nylon's muted sound and feel upon bottoming out, but the auditory outcomes in the typing experience will diverge notably due to the distinct characteristics of the top housings. When the key is released, the acoustics produced by the polycarbonate of the CAP Anniversary will be sharper and more resonant, while the Botany's nylon top will contribute to a subdued sound. Consequently, even if the bottom housings feel the same, the overall typing experience will vary significantly due to the differing top materials, providing users with varied sensations and sound profiles based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel that appeals to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Botany is considered the lighter option and may lead to less finger fatigue during prolonged use, whereas the CAP Anniversary provides a firmer push that can enhance the tactile feedback for some users. Ultimately, these differences in force requirements indicate a clear choice depending on personal preferences for weight and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the CAP Anniversary boasts a longer distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Botany switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, is likely to provide a more substantial keypress experience, ideal for users who prefer a deeper and more deliberate actuation. Therefore, if you favor a more responsive feel, the Akko Botany would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper key press, the Gateron CAP Anniversary would suit you better.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 stands out with its crisp and lively clacky sound that provides an engaging auditory feedback for typists. This characteristic makes it a more raucous choice, offering an enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate the sound of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch integrates a novel design that enhances smoothness without explicitly emphasizing sound quality. While the Botany produces a more pronounced sound, both switches' overall acoustic characteristics can be influenced by external factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
Feeling the keys beneath your fingers can significantly impact your typing satisfaction. The Akko Botany offers a notable tactile response, keeping typists engaged with its lively feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is designed to be exceptionally smooth, featuring a snappy responsiveness due to its unique structure. This switch is further characterized by its creamy and polished feel, providing a buttery typing experience that glides effortlessly as you type. While the Botany delivers a lively interaction, the CAP Anniversary promotes a more refined, smooth action, appealing to those who prefer less resistance.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Gateron CAP Anniversary switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Botany excites with its crisp, lively sound and engaging tactile feedback, while the CAP Anniversary impresses with its smoothness and stability, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a refined tactile experience, and both switches are sure to deliver satisfying results regardless of your preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a lively, clacky sound that adds auditory feedback to your typing experience, the Botany switch would be an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it great for long typing sessions or gamers who benefit from quick, responsive keystrokes without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust feel with a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch may suit you better. Its advanced CAP structure and snappy, creamy, and polished feel ensure a smooth and stable typing experience, ideal for tasks requiring precision. Additionally, you might appreciate the refined auditory experience that comes with the CAP Anniversary switch, making it perfect for quieter environments or professional settings. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing force, setting the foundation for an enjoyable typing experience.
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