Akko Botany vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offer two distinct characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Botany switches, celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound, fall under the linear category, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump that often interrupts flow. On the other hand, the Cream Blue Pro V3 switches provide a tactile experience with their poppy, clacky sound profile and an appreciated smoothness, making them an ideal pick for users who enjoy both audible feedback and a pronounced tactile response while typing. Each switch has its own strengths: the Botany is suitable for those seeking a quiet yet engaging typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro appeals to typing enthusiasts who enjoy the sound and feel of tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, significant differences are apparent, particularly in the top housing. The Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound effectively. This results in a more muted auditory experience, making it ideal for users seeking a soft and subdued typing sound. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s rigidity allows it to resonate more clearly, thus, creating a more pronounced acoustic profile. This fundamental difference in material suggests that while both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, the auditory signature will vary significantly, with the Botany offering warmth and depth and the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivering a bright and clear sound.
Interestingly, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, they share the same nylon material, which influences their typing feel consistently. The nylon bottom housing facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the top housing of the Botany. This means that regardless of the differences in top housing, both switches will produce a similar sound and feel when bottoming out. Therefore, the presence of nylon in both models' bottom housing ensures that the tactile experience remains consistent, emphasizing a muted auditory feedback across both models during key presses. As users type, they can expect the pronounced and duller sound profile that nylon delivers in both switches.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro differ significantly in terms of their contributions to sound quality, they share a unifying characteristic through their nylon bottom housings. This melding of sound profiles results in an interesting dynamic: the acoustic characteristics of each switch stem from their top housing, while the bottom housing ensures consistency in the feel and overall depth of sound. For users prioritizing a distinct auditory experience above key feel, the choice between the warm nylon Botany and the bright polycarbonate V3 Cream Blue Pro would greatly influence their satisfaction. However, both switches retain a comforting and familiar bottoming-out experience, supported by the dual presence of nylon in their construction.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of 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 suitable for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, the Botany switch is the lighter option, whereas the V3 Cream Blue Pro caters to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. As such, if someone prioritizes comfort for long usage, the Botany switch would be the ideal choice, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro might attract users looking for a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Botany gives a greater feel of depth due to its longer travel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who favor a quicker, more responsive feel, commonly favored by gamers seeking faster action. Thus, if you're aiming for responsiveness, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the better choice, while the Botany might be suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 switch is characterized by its crisp and lively clacky sound right from the start, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. Similarly, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch also produces a distinctly poppy and clacky sound profile upon initial use. This blend of sounds contributes to a lively auditory feedback that should satisfy users who appreciate a more vocal typing experience. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps.
When focusing on the feel of these switches, the Akko Botany linear switch is designed for smoothness throughout the keypress, providing an uninterrupted transition from top to bottom. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a medium tactile sensation that feels both snappy and polished. This means that while the Botany switch emphasizes a fluid typing experience, the Cream Blue Pro switch invites users to enjoy a more dynamic responsiveness combined with a refined tactility, making the typing experience feel lively and satisfying. The snappy nature of the V3 Cream Blue Pro further enhances its appeal, allowing for quick and efficient typing.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch cater to different typing preferences while still providing engaging sound profiles. If you desire a smooth and continuous keystroke, the Botany linear switch is an excellent choice, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile experience that balances tactility with polish. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a linear feel or the snappy, tactile characteristics of a more traditional switch, but either way, you can expect satisfying auditory and tactile feedback from both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you tend to favor a lighter touch and enjoy a lively, crisp typing experience with pronounced sound, the Botany switches are your best bet. Their lower actuation force of 45 grams allows for quicker keystrokes, making them ideal for fast typists and gamers who require rapid inputs without fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile sensation combined with smoothness and a bit more resistance, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the right choice for you. With its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, this switch offers a satisfying tactile bump that’s accented and snappy, perfect for users who enjoy auditory feedback alongside tactile responsiveness. Furthermore, if you're on a budget and still want an engaging typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro’s well-rounded performance makes it an excellent option. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your own typing style, whether you prefer a crisp and light touch or a richer tactile experience with a satisfying sound profile.
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