Akko Botany vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Crystal 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 Crystal Pro linear switches both offer unique characteristics that can cater to different typing preferences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, making them an appealing choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro switches impress with their fully polycarbonate construction, delivering a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a distinctly silky smooth typing experience. While both switches are categorized as linear and offer smooth key presses, the Botany’s lively acoustics contrast with the polished and bouncy feel of the Crystal Pro. Each switch has its own allure, depending on whether you prioritize sound or smoothness in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro showcase distinct materials in their housing that influence not just their sound dynamics but also their aesthetic properties. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer material, it effectively absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them, leading to a more muted auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference stems from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound, making it appealing for those who enjoy a bright auditory feedback while typing. For users who prioritize visual aesthetics, the translucency of the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate housing is especially notable, as it enhances the display of RGB lighting effects.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches again utilize different materials that further influence their sound profiles. The Akko Botany maintains a nylon bottom housing that aligns with its top housing in delivering a rounded sound, reinforcing the deep and full auditory experience. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing sharpens the overall sound profile, continuing the trend established by its top housing. This duality—the softer, sound-absorbing properties of the Botany versus the stiffer, reverberating qualities of the V3 Crystal Pro—means that each switch yields distinct tactile and auditory responses. The impact of the bottom housing becomes especially evident during the bottom-out phase when pressing the keys, where the character of the material plays a crucial role in the overall feel of each actuation.
Despite their differing materials, users can find a pathway to similar results based on how the two switches play off one another. The overall acoustic experience of a keypress is a balance of both the top and bottom housings; hence, if a user prefers either a deeper sound profile or a sharper feedback, the choice of switches can be strategically matched to their typing style. If one desires a deeper auditory response like that of the Botany but prefers the aesthetic and illumination properties of the V3 Crystal Pro, combining elements from each, such as using RGB lighting with the nylon housing, could yield a satisfying compromise. Ultimately, the interaction of both the top and bottom housing materials governs the acoustic and tactile experiences, and users have the flexibility to choose switches that align with their sensory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, notable differences arise in 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 ideal for users who prefer a softer, more effortless typing experience, which is advantageous for extended use at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro switch has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing feel with a firmer key press. Thus, if one is looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Botany would be the better choice, whereas the V3 Crystal Pro is better suited for users who prefer a stronger push. In this comparison, the Botany switch is distinctly lighter than the V3 Crystal Pro, allowing for a quicker and less strenuous keystroke.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option between the two. A shorter travel distance can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for a more responsive feel during fast-paced activities. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the V3 Crystal Pro may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial key press and a deeper feel when typing. Therefore, if you prefer a swift and immediate key response, the Botany may be the better choice, whereas the V3 Crystal Pro would be more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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
The Akko Botany switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound that catches attention right away, making it appealing for users who enjoy acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro features a bright and chirpy sound signature, with a unique squeak that distinguishes it from other switches. This subtle difference in sound character means that while both switches offer an engaging auditory experience, the V3 Crystal Pro leans towards a more playful and resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is lauded for its responsive feedback, allowing for a fluid and enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the V3 Crystal Pro excels with its bouncy and polished characteristics, which provide an elastic feedback sensation and a refined key travel experience. Users will likely find the V3 Crystal Pro to offer a more dynamic typing sensation due to its enhanced springiness and smoothness, while the Botany switch remains appealing for those who appreciate a straightforward and lively response without the extra nuances.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro both deliver engaging sound and feel characteristics, they do so in different ways. The Botany provides a crisp and lively auditory experience, while the V3 Crystal Pro offers a bright, chirpy tone alongside a bouncy and polished typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can be an excellent choice, but they will result in uniquely different experiences that cater to specific tastes within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switches and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switches, consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing force. If you gravitate towards a lighter switch with a lively sound, the Botany might be your ideal choice, providing a crisp and clacky typing experience that excites the senses. The 45 grams of bottom-out force makes it an excellent option for prolonged typing sessions without straining your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a unique chirpy sound, the V3 Crystal Pro switches will likely serve you well. Their medium bottom-out force of 60 grams coupled with bouncy and polished feedback will give you a satisfying typing experience, characterized by both lively rebound and a smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more energetic feel with the Botany or a polished and bouncy experience with the V3 Crystal Pro.
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