Akko Botany vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making them a fantastic choice for users who enjoy an auditory feedback that enhances their typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches shine as an excellent budget-friendly option, standing out with their unique poppy and clacky sound, coupled with a polished smoothness that many enthusiasts appreciate. While both switches fall under the linear category and promise satisfying acoustics, the Botany leans toward a more lively sound profile, whereas the V3 Cream Black Pro focuses on delivering both sound and a buttery typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Akko V3 Cream Black Pro Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.77

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro employ different materials for their top housings, impacting their acoustic profiles significantly. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound better than harder plastics. Consequently, when you type on the Botany, the sound is relatively muted, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, acclaimed for its ability to generate a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more resonant and clearer sound, making it especially pronounced when keys are released. Thus, the principal difference between the two switches lies in the tonal quality each housing material imparts during the typing experience.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which levels the playing field in terms of the sound profile they present while typing. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound, courtesy of its inherently softer material that absorbs more sound during keystrokes. This means that, although the top housings differ and influence the sound upon release, both the Botany and the V3 Cream Black Pro establish a sacred commonality through their nylon bottoms. As a result, when typing, users may find that the overall experience remains rich and satisfying, despite the differences in the upper sound dynamics. The similarities in the bottom housing suggest that the tactile and auditory qualities provided by the nylon will be a unifying factor in both switches.

In examining the overall experience with these switches, it is clear that while the Akko Botany and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro exhibit different acoustic properties due to their top housing materials, the shared nylon composition in the bottom housing ensures that users can attain a deep and full typing experience across both models. The polycarbonate housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro may create a more lively top sound when keys are released, but this is balanced by the soft and absorbing nature of the nylon bottom. Therefore, even with the contrasting characteristics brought by polycarbonate and nylon, one can expect a harmonious and effective typing experience, capitalizing on the strengths of each material in the respective contexts of the switch.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their 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 ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where less finger fatigue is desired. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Consequently, users seeking lighter switches will find the Botany more appealing, while those who appreciate additional resistance will gravitate towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. Overall, these differences highlight the varying ergonomic preferences between users, with the Botany being the lighter choice and the V3 Cream Black Pro representing the heavier option.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, we find that the Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Black Pro features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This minor difference means that the Botany switch provides a deeper press, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more tactile experience, the Botany switch is the better choice with its longer travel distance, whereas the V3 Cream Black Pro suits those who prefer more responsiveness with its shorter travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switches are renowned for their crisp and lively clacky sound, making them an appealing choice for users who enjoy an auditory confirmation of their keystrokes. While the Botany switches deliver a vibrant sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro takes the auditory experience a step further with its high-pitched, poppy, and clacky tones. These switches provide a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that some users may prefer over richer, bass-heavy alternatives. Both switches' sound properties will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap materials used, suggesting that while their intrinsic sound profiles differ, they can both achieve satisfying auditory experiences depending on the setup.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switches have a lively typing experience that can be likened to the tactile excitement offered by the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro. The V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized by its creamy and buttery smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, these switches are noted for their bouncy and snappy characteristics, providing a dynamic feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. The polished nature of these switches further contributes to their refined feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth keystrokes. While specific descriptors for the Botany switches' tactile experience were not provided, their lively nature suggests they might share similar enjoyable qualities for typists seeking a responsive switch.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer engaging auditory and tactile experiences that can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. The Botany impresses with a vibrant and crisp sound, while the V3 Cream Black Pro excels in its high-pitched clarity and luxurious buttery feel, characterized by bounce and snappiness. While the Botany's tactile attributes remain unspecified, its lively response may provide a comparable result for users who appreciate an active typing sensation. Ultimately, personal preference will guide your choice between these two quality options, as both can deliver satisfying performance based on the specifics of your keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch really depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter typing experience with a crisp, lively clack and are looking for a switch that feels responsive without requiring much effort, the Botany is an excellent option. Its bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where less physical strain is desired, and its vibrant sound profile ensures your keystrokes are heard and felt, adding a fun dimension to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feedback with a medium-heavy force of 65 grams, the V3 Cream Black Pro might be preferable. Its creamy, buttery feel combined with a snappy responsiveness provides a smooth and satisfying typing journey, perfect for both work and gaming. Plus, the high-pitched clacky sound might align with your auditory preferences if you enjoy a sharper tone in your keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you lean towards a lighter, more playful experience or a more robust, refined one, as this will guide your decision effectively.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Cream Black Pro Linear

$3.77

$2.70 per 10

Learn more