Akko Botany vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Akko Botany and Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow both offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany switch is renowned for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy an acoustic typing experience that provides satisfying audio feedback. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is designed for an exceptionally smooth keystroke, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically crafted stem, which reduces wobble and enhances stability while typing. While the Botany switch emphasizes a more vibrant auditory experience, the Milky Yellow is aimed at delivering a buttery and refined tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize sound or smoothness in your 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

Akko Botany Linear

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko Botany switches and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches share a striking similarity, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material helps to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, which is particularly beneficial for those seeking a satisfying auditory experience from their keyboard. The inherent properties of nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, play a significant role in absorbing sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches are designed to produce a duller and rounder sound when pressed, which is a characteristic that can enhance the overall typing experience, making it feel more comfortable and pleasing.

Although both switches are constructed from nylon, slight differences in design and craftsmanship may lead to variations in tactile feedback and acoustic properties. However, the fundamental nature of nylon as a housing material remains constant across both switches. When considering how each switch performs during use, it's important to acknowledge that both the Botany and CAP V2 Milky Yellow will deliver similar auditory results due to the shared composition. This means that typists will likely enjoy a similar sound experience, highlighted by the soft, muted tones produced by the nylon components when keys are pressed and released.

Moreover, the impact of each housing on the switch's performance is nuanced and can be influenced by how these switches are assembled. Even if the top and bottom housings differ in design, the inherent qualities of the nylon will contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switch. For both the Botany and CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches, the bottom housing tends to affect the bottom-out sound and feel the most, while the top housing influences the sound produced during key release. Ultimately, users can expect a cohesive auditory experience from both switch types, thanks to the shared nylon material, along with potential differences stemming from individual design choices that could slightly affect the tactile journey.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Consequently, the Botany is the lighter switch, while the CAP V2 is the heavier option. These differences in force can lead to varied tactile experiences; those who prioritize ease of use may find the Botany more appealing, while users seeking a firmer response might gravitate toward the Gateron CAP V2.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Botany measuring at 3.6 mm and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow at 4 mm. This indicates that the Botany switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker response times—an appealing trait for gamers seeking swift actuation. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow can offer a more substantial feel during key presses, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you value responsiveness and rapid keystrokes, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Botany switch may be the better choice for you, while those who appreciate a deeper and more satisfying press might lean towards the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's longer travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is notable for producing a crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, which brings a vibrant and expressive auditory element to typing. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile. The deep, rich notes associated with the CAP Milky Yellow contribute to a satisfying and mellow auditory experience, making it distinctively different from the Botany's peppy sound. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience will still vary depending on the keyboard build, including the choice of materials for the board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch has not been explicitly described, leaving an unknown quality in this aspect, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is characterized as buttery. This implies that the CAP Milky Yellow provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, allowing for a seamless and effortless typing sensation that many users find enjoyable. The enhanced stability and reduced wobble offered by the enlarged and hollowed-out stem post further refine the typing experience, giving it a polished edge that may appeal to those who prioritize feel in their switch selection.

In summary, while the Akko Botany linear switch delivers a lively and crisp sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a deeper, bass-heavy auditory experience. On the feel side, the Botany remains ambiguous, whereas the CAP V2 is recognized for its buttery smoothness and stability. Ultimately, those who appreciate a bright auditory experience may lean towards the Botany, while fans of a rich, thocky sound combined with a smooth typing experience might prefer the CAP V2. Choosing between these two will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive key feel, the Botany switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent option. It offers a lively and clacky sound that may enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy auditory feedback while you work or game. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch that provides a more stable and refined typing experience, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow might be the better choice for you. With a 65-gram bottom-out force, this switch excels in producing a deep, thocky sound profile, complemented by its smooth keystrokes that minimize wobble and enhance stability. Ultimately, consider your preferred typing experience: if you value a crisp and energetic sound alongside a lighter feel, go for the Akko Botany; and if a deep, rich acoustic sensation and buttery-smooth keypresses appeal to you, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow will suit you well.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more