Akko Botany vs. Bsun Cliff

Overview

When it comes to customizing your typing experience, the choice between mechanical keyboard switches can significantly influence both feel and sound. The Akko Botany switches, a linear switch, are well-regarded for their lively and crisp clacky sound, offering a smooth keypress without any tactile bump, making them ideal for gamers who prefer rapid key actuation and noise that adds character to their setup. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff switches are tactile switches that provide a medium level of tactility accompanied by a similarly crisp sound signature, making them well-suited for typists who enjoy feedback on their keystrokes without the audible click associated with some other switch types. Each switch presents distinct advantages—whether you favor the uninterrupted flow and sound of the Botany or the sensory feedback of the Cliff. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Bsun Cliff switches present distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience while typing. The Botany's top housing is made from nylon, a softer plastic known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is considerably stiffer. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating clearer and more resonant acoustics. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, enhancing visual appeal, whereas the nylon housing tends to obscure such lighting features.

When considering the bottom housings of both switches, they share a commonality in their material composition, both utilizing nylon. This uniformity ensures a consistent sound profile between the two switches at the base level. Nylon’s soft properties provide a similar effect in both models, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when the switch bottoms out. This shared material leads to a unified typing experience that centers around the warm and muted auditory feedback typically associated with nylon, regardless of the differences in their respective top housings.

The divergence in the top housing materials results in a unique interplay of sound characteristics when typing on these switches. While the Botany offers the immersive sound experience of nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a more integrated acoustic profile, the Cliff provides a contrast between the crispness of its polycarbonate top and the depth of its nylon bottom. This separation allows typists to experience distinct acoustic qualities—enjoying the richness of nylon while pressing down and the clarity of polycarbonate when releasing the key. Ultimately, these differences and similarities in housing materials deliver varied tactile and auditory experiences, catering to different user preferences while maintaining some level of consistency in the sound produced during key presses.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, we find that their actuation forces are quite similar, with the Botany requiring 38 grams and the Cliff slightly lighter at 37 grams. This means that both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended use during long hours of work or gaming. However, when it comes to their bottom out forces, both switches also share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, reinforcing the notion of a consistent feel when fully pressed. Overall, users who prefer lighter switches will appreciate both options, as they provide a comfortable and less strenuous typing experience, although the Bsun Cliff may have a marginally lighter touch at the actuation point.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. As a result, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on a key with either switch, providing a consistent typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, their performance in terms of keystroke length will be identical, allowing for a seamless transition between the two if desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp, lively clacky sound that many users find appealing right from the moment they start typing. This vibrant acoustic feedback can enhance the typing experience, making every keystroke feel engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a unique sound signature that is described as crisp, complementing its medium tactility. While both switches deliver enjoyable auditory feedback, the Botany’s lively clackiness may tend to stand out more prominently, whereas the Cliff strikes a balance that could be appreciated in quieter environments. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by your keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, delivering a consistent resistance without any tactile bump or feedback. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a fluid typing experience, allowing for swift typing or gaming with minimal distraction. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for those who enjoy feeling their keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for typists who appreciate a little more feedback without the loudness of a clicky switch.

In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and Bsun Cliff switches offer unique benefits, they cater to different preferences. The Botany excels in delivering a lively and engaging sound paired with a smooth keystroke suitable for rapid typing. Conversely, the Cliff provides medium tactile feedback and a crisp sound, benefiting typists who enjoy a bit more physical sensation from their keys. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but both switches are well-regarded in their respective categories.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Akko Botany linear switches and Bsun Cliff tactile switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that provides a light touch and a lively, clacky sound, the Botany is the way to go. This makes them an excellent option for gaming or for typists who favor a fast and fluid experience without any tactile bumps to interrupt their flow. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during your typing sessions, the Cliff tactile switches offer a satisfying medium tactile feel accompanied by a crisp sound signature. This can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the sensation of knowing when your key has been actuated. Both switches have the same bottom-out force of 45 grams, making them feel similarly light in terms of actuation, but the tactile response of the Cliff can provide a more engaging experience for those who value feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth linear experience or a tactile sensation that enhances your connection to the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more