Akko Botany vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and HMX Deep Navy offer distinct experiences for users seeking a linear switch. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound that enhances the tactile feedback and brings vibrancy to your typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches provide a rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to their full nylon construction, while the Ly stem ensures a silky smoothness with every keystroke. While the Botany appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback during use, the Deep Navy is ideal for users looking for a more refined and smoother typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and atmospheres, making your choice depend on whether sound and feedback or smoothness and consistency are more important for your work or gaming environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and HMX Deep Navy feature nylon as their primary housing material, which is a significant similarity between the two models. Both the top and bottom housings utilize nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic stems from nylon's relatively softer composition, enabling it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the auditory feedback from these switches tends to be more muted and rounded, giving typists a distinct tactile experience that many users find appealing. The consistency in housing materials across both keyboards is likely to yield comparable sound profiles, ensuring that users can expect similar acoustic qualities while typing.

While both the Botany and Deep Navy employ nylon in both their top and bottom housings, the design choices surrounding each model—such as switch type or internal structures—can still lead to variations in overall feel and performance. However, because both keyboards utilize the same material, the fundamental sound dampening characteristics of nylon will remain consistent. This means that despite other potential differences in design, the core auditory response during typing will share that fuller, rounded quality that typists have come to appreciate in nylon-based switches.

In summary, the synergy between the top and bottom nylon housings in both the Akko Botany and HMX Deep Navy serves to reinforce the strengths of this classic material. With both keyboards achieving similar properties as a result of their identical housing materials, users can anticipate an equivalent auditory experience. Nonetheless, any differences in design elements outside of the housing materials themselves could introduce unique nuances, influencing the tactile feedback and overall typing experience while still retaining the intrinsic benefits associated with nylon's natural sound absorption qualities.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, both offer relatively light forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Deep Navy switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, users of the Botany switch may experience a slightly lighter touch, ideal for those who prefer minimal resistance when typing. On the other hand, the Deep Navy's actuation force gives it a touch more resistance, catering to users who favor a firmer feel. Ultimately, while both switches bottom out at the same weight, they differ in actuation force, making the Botany the lighter option overall.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will benefit from a consistent tactile experience when pressing down on either key. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation responsiveness and feel. This uniformity makes either switch a suitable choice for those who prioritize a smooth and uniform keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switches are known for producing a crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, which can add a delightful auditory dimension to typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy linear switches offer a rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to their full nylon construction. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can greatly enhance the typing experience, but it's important to remember that the overall sound will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps.

Regarding feel, the Akko Botany switches provide an engaging typing experience; however, the specific tactile feedback they offer is not explicitly noted. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches are characterized by their silky smoothness with each keystroke, which contributes to a seamless and pleasant typing sensation. The difference in the tactile feedback may appeal to different users, depending on their preferences for a more pronounced or subtle feel while typing.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and HMX Deep Navy linear switches have unique sound profiles and feel qualities that cater to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The Botany's lively clackiness contrasts with the Deep Navy's rich, sharp sound, while the nuanced smoothness of the Deep Navy provides a different typing sensation than the Botany. Depending on personal taste, one may gravitate toward one switch over the other, but both can yield satisfying results in terms of auditory and tactile experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you seek a keyboard experience characterized by a lively, clacky sound and a user-friendly tactile feedback—ideal for both casual typing and gaming—you'll likely gravitate toward the Botany switch. Its lighter actuation force also makes it a solid option for extended typing sessions, where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother experience and a richer, sharper sound profile with a sturdier feel, the Deep Navy switches may be the better choice for you. Their full nylon construction and silky smooth keystrokes provide a satisfying tactile experience that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, considering the sound and feel that resonates best with your typing style will guide you to the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more