Akko Botany vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the KTT Darling are two impressive linear options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, offering an immediate auditory thrill that can elevate the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic flair. In contrast, the KTT Darling delivers a chewy and substantial typing sensation, akin to gently sinking your fingers into something that feels deeply satisfying. With its pronounced bounciness, the Darling provides a springy responsiveness that enhances the overall feel during each keystroke, while also producing a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. Whether you gravitate towards the lively acoustics of the Botany or the substantial, bouncy feedback of the Darling, both switches have unique characteristics that can influence your choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the KTT Darling, notable distinctions arise in their top housings, which are crafted from nylon and polycarbonate respectively. The Akko Botany’s top housing, made from nylon, is characterized by its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This material’s ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Darling’s polycarbonate top housing presents a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enables it to create a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making it particularly favorable for those who appreciate precision in auditory feedback, especially in RGB-lit setups.
Both models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a sense of cohesion in sound performance despite the differences in their top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing in both the Akko Botany and KTT Darling benefits from its capacity to absorb sound, delivering that signature deeper and fuller auditory experience. Consequently, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users will notice similar qualities thanks to the consistent use of nylon in the lower housing. This shared element ensures that, while the top housing contributes differently to sound acoustics, both switches will still merge into a harmonious typing experience, retaining a rich depth that is reminiscent of the classic performance associated with nylon.
Ultimately, the contrast in material choice for the top housings creates a diverse sound signature while preserving a unified bottom end due to the shared nylon bottom housing. The Akko Botany's nylon top brings warmth and roundness to key presses, enhancing the subjective perception of the typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Darling’s polycarbonate top sharpens the sound profile and highlights its clarity. Therefore, when typing, users may experience profound shifts in auditory feedback between the two models, while the underlying foundation of the nylon bottom ensures a deeper consistency in feel and sound, blending the best of both worlds into a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique characteristics. The Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, while the KTT Darling is on the heavier side. This variance in forces can lead to differing typing experiences; individuals who like a softer touch may gravitate towards the Botany, while those seeking more tactile feedback might prefer the Darling.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Darling measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel while typing or gaming, the KTT Darling may be the better choice, as it offers a marginally shorter travel distance, leading to quicker actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Akko Botany would be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, both switches fall within a relatively short travel distance range, appealing to users who favor quicker response times, but the slight difference indicates that the Botany offers a more noticeable tactile experience due to its longer travel distance.
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 Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 switch excels with its crisp and lively clacky profile, producing sharp, bright, and percussive sounds as you type. This auditory engagement enhances the tactile experience, making every keystroke feel lively and interactive. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch features a resonant high-pitched sound that also delivers crisp auditory feedback when bottoming out. The combination of this bright sound with its sharpness creates an immersive acoustic experience, making it clear that while both switches produce engaging sounds, the Botany leans slightly more towards a clacky nature, whereas the Darling adds a pronounced high note to its composition.
In terms of feel, the Botany's experience remains somewhat vague without specific descriptors, leaving it open to interpretation based on user experience. However, the KTT Darling switch is defined by a chewy and substantial sensation, which gives the impression of sinking one’s fingers into a satisfying press. This tactile engagement is further complemented by a pronounced bounciness, allowing for a lively and springy response that contributes positively to the overall typing experience. Therefore, while the Botany’s feel remains somewhat unarticulated, the Darling undoubtedly provides a rich texture that many users might find appealing.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and KTT Darling linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Botany shines with its bright, clacky sound and engages users with its lively auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Darling provides an enticing combination of springy bounciness paired with satisfying tactile feedback and a resonant sound profile. While the feel of the Botany is less defined, the prominent features of the Darling offer a substantial and enjoyable typing experience. Users looking for a crisp auditory experience may find satisfaction in both switches, but each will impart a slightly different sensation and sound that will ultimately resonate with individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a lively auditory experience, the Akko Botany might be the perfect fit for you. With its 45g bottom-out force and crisp, clacky sound, it is ideal for those who appreciate a quick, responsive typing experience that also brings a bit of excitement and energy to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial and satisfying feel, the KTT Darling, with its medium-light 53g force, offers a chewy, bouncy typing sensation that makes your fingers feel cushioned and engaged with every press. Its resonant, high-pitched sound adds an additional layer of auditory feedback that can make your typing experience more enjoyable. Ultimately, whether you choose the Botany for its light touch and lively sound or the Darling for its substantial feel and engaging feedback, both switches are excellent choices that cater to different preferences.
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