Akko Botany vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options are the Akko Botany and the Durock Dolphin, both of which fall within the linear switch category but cater to different preferences and environments. The Botany switches are celebrated for their vibrant, clacky sound, offering a lively typing experience right out of the box. This makes them an appealing choice for gamers and typists who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switches stand out with their silent operation, making them an ideal selection for office environments or any workspace that prioritizes noise reduction. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphins provide a robust feel that balances precision and tactile satisfaction, appealing to users who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. While both switches have their unique merits, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Durock Dolphin, the notable difference lies in the top housing. The Akko Botany employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's softer and more resilient nature, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a muted and rounded acoustic result. In stark contrast, the Durock Dolphin features polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigid characteristic of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant acoustics, which can be aesthetically enhanced by its transparency, especially when integrating RGB lighting. Thus, while the Botany's nylon top provides a warm sound, the Dolphin's polycarbonate top delivers a brighter, more vivid audio experience.
Both the Akko Botany and the Durock Dolphin share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both. This similarity means that regardless of the differences presented in their respective top housings, the impact on sound and feel from the bottom housing is uniformly experienced. The nylon in both cases contributes to a deeper sound profile, providing a consistent tactile feedback when bottoming out. Since nylon is softer, it helps in reducing the noise upon actuation, giving both switches a rounded bottom-out sound and a comfortable typing experience. Hence, the uniform bottom housing helps maintain a cohesive sound profile across both models, even with distinct top housings.
The divergence in top housing materials results in an interesting interplay when typing. For both models, although they have varying acoustic signatures, the bottom housing significantly influences the overall bottom-out feel. In practice, this means that while the Akko Botany will tend to produce sounds that are duller and warmer upon key release due to its nylon top, it will also deliver a rich feedback upon actuation from the shared nylon bottom. The Durock Dolphin, on the other hand, with its polycarbonate top, will evoke a more vibrant sound when releasing keys while still benefitting from a soft and rounded sound during key presses due to the nylon bottom. Thus, while presenting contrasting sound profiles from the top materials, the overall tactile experience remains akin in its grounded qualities across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin has an unspecified actuation force—indicating a lack of specific information—but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a more substantial pressing sensation when bottoming out. Thus, while the Dolphin might provide a firmer tactile experience, its overall actuation force remains a mystery. Consequently, users looking for a lighter feel should opt for the Akko Botany switch, while those who appreciate a heavier bottoming experience might gravitate towards the Durock Dolphin, provided they find its actuation force acceptable despite the ambiguity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there is a distinct difference to note. The Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dolphin measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that the Botany switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide gamers with the quicker response times they often desire. Conversely, the Dolphin, with its longer travel distance, may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial key press and deeper feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: for a snappier feel, the Botany is preferable, whereas the Dolphin may suit those seeking a more pronounced tactile experience.
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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 linear switches produce a crisp and lively clacky sound that resonates with typists who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin linear switches offer a much more muted sound profile, making them particularly suited for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Dolphins generate a low-pitched sound, emphasizing a softer and quieter acoustic experience compared to the more vibrant clacks of the Botany switches. It's essential to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by your specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switches are known for their direct feedback, providing a satisfying interaction when pressed, although the specifics of their tactile response are less defined. In contrast, the Durock Dolphins have a polished feel, characterized by a smooth and refined typing experience due to either the materials used or factory lubing. This results in reduced friction and a smoother key travel, allowing for shorter travel distance with a pleasing resistance. The Dolphins’ medium-heavy actuation force of 62g gives users a substantial feel, which can enhance precision and satisfaction with each keypress.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switches are ideal for those who prefer an engaging, audible typing experience, while the Durock Dolphins cater to individuals seeking a quieter, smoother operation with a solid actuation force. Depending on your noise tolerance and preference for typing feel, you'll find that these switches cater to very different experiences—one being lively and expressive, and the other polished and discreet. If you're looking for a lively typing experience, the Botany switches will deliver that clacky sound, whereas for a quieter and smoother ride, the Durock Dolphins would be the better choice.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switches and the Durock Dolphin linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you enjoy a lighter touch and appreciate a lively sound, the Botany switches, with their 45g bottom-out force and crisp audio profile, would be ideal for you. They are perfect for casual typing and gaming scenarios where auditory feedback enhances your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more significant actuation force and a quieter workspace, the Dolphin switches, with their 62g bottom-out force and muted sound, would be a better fit. Their polished feel not only offers a pleasing tactile experience but also makes them suitable for office environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value lightness and auditory feedback or prefer a more substantial, silent typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
