Akko Botany vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options to elevate their typing experience. The Akko Botany switch stands out for its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, delivering an engaging auditory feedback that many users crave. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile and audible response during their typing sessions, making it a great choice for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing feel, offering a satisfying combination of clack and pop with an ultra-light actuation that makes it lighter than 90% of all switches on the market. For those seeking a whisper-light keystroke and an enjoyable typing experience, the Cheese switch shines as an exceptionally unique option. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether you prioritize sound or a feather-light touch—however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko Botany and HMX Cheese utilize nylon for their housing materials, resulting in a consistent auditory experience when typing. Nylon is recognized as a classic choice in switch housing due to its favorable acoustic properties. In both instances, the nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that helps absorb sound vibrations. This leads to a distinctively dull and rounder auditory response, making typing on switches with nylon feel more satisfying and pronounced. Since both switches use the same nylon material, users can expect a similar acoustic output and tactile feedback when interacting with either switch.
When examining the bottom housing, the same trend applies, as both the Akko Botany and HMX Cheese are constructed from nylon as well. This consistent use of nylon for both the top and bottom of the switches means that the sound profile will remain uniform across the entire keystroke. The bottom housing, while primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound, also influences the overall feel of the switch. Again, because both switches utilize the same material, users can anticipate a similar performance when pressing down, further enhancing the typing experience. The dual nylon construction ensures that users derive a harmonious interaction with their keyboards, whether they are bottoming out or releasing the keys.
While both the Botany and Cheese exhibit identical materials in their switch housings, variations could arise in their design specifics or switch characteristics. If one of these switches were to feature a different housing material for either the top or bottom, it could create nuanced changes in texture, sound profile, or tactile feedback. However, since both models utilize nylon throughout, users can enjoy a cohesive experience across both options. The synergy between the top and bottom housings crafted from the same nylon material not only elevates the sound quality but also promotes a seamless transition during typing, reaffirming that a unified material choice can yield similar outcomes in performance and user satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, both of which are classified as light switches, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a slightly lower actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Cheese's 43 grams, making the Botany feel lighter and easier to press. In terms of bottom out forces, the Botany again edges out slightly with 45 grams versus the Cheese's 46 grams. These differences indicate that while both switches provide a light typing experience, the Botany is favored by those who prefer lighter touches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance during key presses might opt for the Cheese switch, as it requires a marginally greater force to actuate and bottom out. Overall, if you value a lighter feel, the Akko Botany switch is the better choice, while the HMX Cheese offers a bit more heft for those who prefer a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, the Botany measures 3.6 mm while the Cheese measures slightly less at 3.5 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter option by 0.1 mm. Both switches fall within the range of recent trends favoring shorter travel distances, catering to gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the Botany's longer travel distance might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, as it offers a bit more depth compared to the Cheese. Ultimately, if responsiveness is key to your gaming experience, the Cheese may be preferable, while those seeking a fuller sensation will likely favor the Botany.
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 HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 switches are characterized by a crisp, lively clack that delivers an enjoyable auditory feedback with every keystroke. This makes them a great choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound profile. The HMX Cheese linear switches also feature a clacky, poppy sound signature, which, combined with their ultra-light design, creates a satisfying auditory experience. While both switches provide a lively sound, the Botany might be slightly more resonant, whereas the Cheese offers a poppier and lighter acoustic quality. Ultimately, the sound experienced will also depend on the keyboard build and keycap materials chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switches provide a lively and engaging typing experience, but the specifics of their tactile feedback or resistance are not detailed. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness, making them a favorite among users who prioritize a seamless keystroke. Their ultra-light actuation allows for quick and effortless typing, which could be particularly beneficial for gaming or prolonged typing sessions. While the Botany may also deliver a pleasant feel, the Cheese will likely offer an experience that emphasizes both comfort and fluidity without additional resistance.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and HMX Cheese linear switches have their unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you lean towards a more pronounced and engaging sound with the Botany while also seeking a smooth and light typing experience, the HMX Cheese provides a distinct sound quality alongside remarkable fluidity. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch better fits your typing style and acoustic preferences, and it's worth trying both to see which one resonates more with you.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use will play a significant role. If you appreciate a lighter touch with a lively, clacky sound that adds character to your typing experience while still being enjoyable for gaming, the Botany switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram actuation force and crisp audio profile make it ideal for those who value an engaging auditory feedback alongside a smoother keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing sensation that promotes speed and precision, the HMX Cheese switch may be better suited for you. With its slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams, it offers a satisfying clacky, poppy sound while exhibiting remarkable smoothness that caters to fast typists and gamers alike. Ultimately, your decision might come down to whether you lean towards playful auditory feedback and lighter resistance with the Botany or the unparalleled smoothness and distinctive sound of the Cheese.
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