Akko Botany vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Akko Botany and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, both offering a linear typing experience but with distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are best known for their crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, providing an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, while also linear, is characterized by its heavier actuation and a silky smooth feel, making it a favorable choice for enthusiasts who prefer a brighter typing experience complemented by its bouncy and high-pitched characteristics. While both switches offer unique benefits—such as the Botany's vibrant sound and the Cloud's smooth action—your choice will ultimately hinge on your specific typing style and desired auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, it's evident that both switches share the same construction in terms of their top and bottom housings, both made from nylon. This similarity suggests that they would produce a comparable auditory experience during typing, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon as a material leads to a distinctive sound signature, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which results in a rounder and more muted acoustic response. For enthusiasts and typists alike, this translates to a more pleasant and less jarring sound when typing, enhancing overall user satisfaction.
Furthermore, the uniformity of the nylon materials in both the Akko Botany and HMX Cloud - 63.5g means that the tactile feedback and auditory characteristics experienced when pressing the keys will be quite similar. As the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the sound produced during the bottom-out phase of a key press, and the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the shared nylon composition leads to a consistent typing experience across both models. Typists can anticipate a harmonious feel and audible consistency, whether they are using the Botany or the Cloud - 63.5g.
In conclusion, the interchangeable qualities provided by the nylon housings in both switches make them ideal for those seeking similar tactile experiences and acoustic profiles. Since the performance characteristics—particularly in terms of sound quality and feel—are influenced by the choice of nylon material, users can be assured that opting for either switch will yield satisfying results. Thus, fans of acoustic and tactile nuance will find that both the Akko Botany and HMX Cloud - 63.5g cater effectively to their auditory preferences and typing comfort, reinforcing the notion that they are well-suited alternatives in the market.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, a notable distinction lies in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less demanding typing experience, ideal for extended use in work or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Cloud switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback during their typing. This difference means that while the Botany is lighter and may reduce fatigue during long sessions, the Cloud switch provides a firmer push, enhancing the physical experience of typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for lightness versus heft, with the Botany switch being the lighter option and the HMX Cloud switch being the heavier one.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that for those who prioritize a quicker response time, the Botany switch may be the better choice, as it offers a shorter distance that is often favored by gamers seeking fast actuation. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g, with its 3.9 mm travel, provides a bit more depth, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. While both switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preference—whether it's for speed or depth—the differences in their travel distances highlight the choices available in tactile experience. Overall, the Akko Botany is the shorter option, whereas the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is longer.
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 Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 switches are celebrated for producing a lively and crisp clack right out of the box. This characteristic lets them provide a satisfying auditory experience that many typists enjoy, particularly those who appreciate a snappy feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches are known for their bright clacky sound profile, which adds a sharp, percussive quality to typing. This heavier variant delivers a high-pitched sound that strikes a pleasing contrast for users seeking a more pronounced auditory interaction while typing. And while both switches are recognized for their clacky sound, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound experience can also depend on the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Botany switches provide an experience that enthusiasts enjoy, but specifics aren't detailed in the information given. Contrastingly, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches are noted for their bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy characteristic offers a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it dynamic and engaging. Moreover, the creamy sensation yields a smooth, buttery typing experience, which allows your fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. This duality in texture can create a compelling and enjoyable tactile experience that many typists look for in their switch selection.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch offers a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g elevates this further with its bright pitch and heavier actuation force. On the tactile front, the Botany switches remain somewhat undefined, whereas the HMX Cloud provides both bouncy and creamy sensations, enabling a luxurious typing experience. Users who prioritize sound may find both switches appealing due to their clacky profiles, while those seeking a rich tactile sensation may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g for its smoother feel. Ultimately, either choice can cater to a great typing experience depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a bright, lively typing experience straight out of the box, the Akko Botany switch might be more suitable for you, as it offers a bottom-out force of only 45 grams and produces a crisp, engaging sound. This makes it an excellent option for faster typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g could be the better choice. Its bouncy and creamy typing experience caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of resistance and a smooth, silky sensation, paired with a clacky sound profile that provides satisfying audio feedback. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and whether you enjoy a more nimble and energetic feel or prefer a sturdy and satisfying typing experience, as both switches offer distinct advantages that can enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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