Akko Botany vs. Huano Elf

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Huano Elf each offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound, which adds a pleasant acoustic dimension to typing or gaming sessions, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the Huano Elf switches feature a POK top housing that enhances their acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that many users find comfortable over long durations. While both switches are linear, appealing to those who prefer smooth key presses without tactile bumps, the distinct sound profiles and feel of each switch can greatly influence your choice. 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

Huano Elf Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Huano Elf switches, notable differences arise in the top housing compositions. The Botany utilizes nylon, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. This design results in a softer bottom-out feel, contributing to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, which offers enhanced durability and a relatively smoother typing experience due to its lower coefficient of friction. The POK material not only excels in wear resistance—being 14 times stronger than POM—but also provides a "clacky" sound due to its unique acoustic properties. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, their top housings differ significantly in material properties and resulting sound profiles.

Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a shared commitment to nylon, which underlines the sound characteristics present in both designs. With both models using nylon, they yield a similar sound quality that is rounded, deeper, and softer due to the material's sound-dampening qualities. This consistency showcases a fundamental aspect of switch design; even with disparate top housing materials, the shared nylon base harmonizes the auditory experience across both models. As a result, users can expect them to feel similar in terms of bottoming-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing on the switches.

The impact of each housing material on the overall feel and sound experience of the switches is significant, particularly when considering how the diverse top and bottom housing materials influence performance. While the Akko Botany's nylon top housing fosters a deep and muted typing sound, the Huano Elf's POK top enhances a more pronounced clack on release. Consequently, the combined properties of both firms suggest that the pressing experience is nuanced; the Botany opts for a smoother auditory experience, while the Elf provides added durability and response. Therefore, the contrasting top materials create distinct typing experiences, even as their shared nylon bottoms contribute a common grounding in sound quality.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Elf requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, making the Botany a better choice for those who prefer effortless typing and gaming due to its reduced fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Botany switch has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams; however, the bottom out force for the Elf switch remains unknown. This lack of data on the Elf may leave some users uncertain about the switch's performance when fully pressed down. Overall, if a lighter touch is desirable for extended use, the Akko Botany switch stands out with its lighter actuation and known bottom out specifications. In contrast, users seeking a more substantial typing experience might appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Huano Elf, but they would need to consider the uncertainty regarding its bottom out characteristics.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect a similar feel and feedback during typing or gaming with either switch. Since the travel distances are equal, individuals who prioritize consistent key response will likely find both switches meet their preferences equally well, resulting in a comparable tactile experience overall.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch offers a crisp and lively clacky sound that immediately catches the ear. This characteristic makes it great for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Elf linear switch produces a deeper sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, creating a rich acoustic profile that many find satisfying. While the Botany’s sound is vibrant and sharp, the Elf provides a more resonant and rounded tone. However, it’s essential to note that the final sound experience can vary greatly depending on the keyboard frame and the type of keycaps used.

When considering the feel, the Botany switch is known for a smooth and responsive typing experience, characterized by its linear motion that provides minimal resistance throughout its travel. This makes for an enjoyable and nearly effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Elf features a medium-light feel, allowing for a gentle, tactile touch that is pleasing during extended use. Though the Elf has a slightly different tactile response, both switches cater to users who favor an easy keystroke weight, making them both comfortable for a variety of typing tasks.

Taking all of this into account, both the Akko Botany and Huano Elf linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Botany is vibrant and lively in sound with a very smooth feel, while the Elf provides a deeper auditory presence with a slightly lighter touch. For newcomers exploring options, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, though each will appeal to different auditory preferences and tactile requirements. Ultimately, your choice may come down to which sound profile and keystroke feel resonate more with your personal style.

Conclusion

To summarize, when considering your options between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter key feel and a sprightly acoustic profile, the Botany switch may suit you well. With its 45-gram bottom-out force, it offers a light touch that’s great for rapid typing and gaming without straining your fingers. This switch is also characterized by its crisp, lively sound, providing an engaging auditory experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light feel with a more resonant, deep sound signature, the Huano Elf might be more up your alley. While the exact force measurement isn’t available, the Elf switch is known for its satisfying typing experience thanks to its POK top housing that enhances acoustics significantly. Both switches have their unique advantages; choose the Botany for a more energetic feel and sound or the Elf for a richer audio and moderate feel. In the end, reflect on what aspects of typing and sound you value most to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more