Akko Botany vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Akko Botany and KTT Cream Yellow are two compelling linear switch options that each offer unique characteristics. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their lively clacky sound right out of the box, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback without the need for modifications. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switches are designed to enhance the auditory experience even further, featuring a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that delivers a distinctly clacky sound with resonant audio feedback. Additionally, their lengthened spring creates a notably bouncy typing feel, an appealing aspect for users who enjoy a lively response with each keystroke. While both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they present excellent options for various typing styles and environments. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the KTT Cream Yellow switches, one notices a marked difference in their top housing compositions. The Botany employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's relatively softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure enhances the resonance of the sound output, making it especially suitable for applications where clarity is paramount, such as in RGB lighting setups. Thus, while both switches serve different auditory preferences, they contrast significantly in terms of sound profile based on their top housing materials.
Interestingly, both the Botany and the Cream Yellow switches feature nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that the impact on sound and feel when bottoming out is largely uniform between the two. The nylon bottom housing in both cases absorbs sound and contributes to that deeper tonal profile, ensuring a consistent tactile experience while typing. The deeper and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing is present in both switches, providing users with a satisfying thock when they press down on the keys. Despite the differences in their top housings, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing creates a cohesive foundation in terms of typing feel and deeper auditory feedback for both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials with a common bottom housing allows for a unique yet balanced typing experience in both the Akko Botany and the KTT Cream Yellow switches. Users can enjoy the deeper sound from the nylon bottom, while also experiencing the distinct auditory characteristics introduced by the top housing materials. Those seeking a softer, fuller sound will gravitate towards the Botany, whereas individuals preferring a sharper, brighter sound may opt for the Cream Yellow. This combination underscores how differing materials can shape a switch's overall performance while still allowing for similar results in terms of feel and deeper sound experience owing to the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow switch presents a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that some users might prefer for a tactile and engaging experience. Consequently, the Botany is ideal for users who favor a lighter switch for comfort, while the Cream Yellow caters to those who appreciate a firmer push, thus emphasizing the diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch in terms of travel distance, the Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Botany switch provides a bit more depth during key presses, which could be preferable for users seeking a more traditional and hearty feel, particularly those who may find shorter distances too abrupt. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to gamers or users looking for quicker responsiveness due to its shorter design. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed, the KTT Cream Yellow would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Akko Botany would suit you better.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 celebrated for its lively and crisp clackiness straight from the box, making it an auditory pleasure for users who appreciate a pronounced typing experience. The KTT Cream Yellow switch, on the other hand, is engineered to offer a sharp and snappy clacky sound due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. This design contributes to a distinctly resonant audio feedback that is both crisp and bright, adding a percussive quality to every keystroke. Both switches can provide a clacky sound profile, but the unique designs and materials along with the type of keycaps and keyboard used may alter the final auditory experience.
When considering the feel, the specifics of the Akko Botany linear switch remain unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing feel, thanks to a lengthened spring and its distinct construction that enhances the tactile interaction. These characteristics often make for a more enjoyable typing experience, potentially elevating productivity and comfort while using the keyboard.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and KTT Cream Yellow linear switches share a clacky sound profile, the perception of sound can vary based on keyboard build and keycap choice. The Cream Yellow switch offers a clearly defined typing feel due to its engineered design, while information about the Botany's feel remains under wraps. For newcomers, it’s essential to consider these subjective qualities and to understand that trying both switches may provide a deeper appreciation of their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams and prefer a lively, crisp sound, then the Botany switch may be the ideal choice for you. This makes it particularly suited for fast typists who thrive on a responsive, energetic typing experience. On the other hand, if you find that you prefer a bit more resistance in your keystrokes with a bottom-out force of 58 grams, then the Cream Yellow switch could be more your style, especially considering its distinctively clacky sound that is both sharp and percussive. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a bouncier typing feel and don’t mind a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and how much feedback you want from your keyboard, ensuring that you have a satisfying experience whether you choose the Akko Botany or the KTT Cream Yellow switch.
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