Akko Botany vs. KTT F2
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT F2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the KTT F2 both offer unique attributes that can significantly enhance your typing experience, despite sharing the commonality of being linear switches. The Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, providing an engaging auditory feedback that can enrich your interaction with the keyboard. It caters to those who appreciate a lively environment while typing, making it an exciting choice for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the KTT F2 distinguishes itself with its distinct hollow sound signature, which creates a more subdued, yet captivating auditory profile. The F2's medium-light weight coupled with a lightly textured keystroke not only ensures a comfortable typing experience but also introduces a subtle tactile nuance that can make every word feel more intentional. While the Botany may appeal to those seeking vigorous sound feedback, the KTT F2 tends to attract users who prefer a quieter and more nuanced typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Akko Botany and KTT F2 switches exhibit noteworthy differences that influence their acoustic properties and tactile experiences. The Botany features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer nature. This composition produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon effectively absorbs vibrations and sound. The result is a typing experience that feels rounded and subdued, providing a unique auditory signature that many users may find comforting. In contrast, the KTT F2 employs polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, offering a crisper auditory feedback during use. The difference in material hardness significantly impacts the overall sound, making these two switches cater to different user preferences.
The aesthetic qualities of these materials also diverge, further influencing their respective appeal. The polycarbonate housing of the KTT F2 is often translucent, making it particularly appropriate for setups featuring RGB lighting, as the illumination can pass through the housing and create a visually striking effect. In contrast, the Akko Botany's nylon does not typically promote transparency, focusing instead on performance and sound absorption. This distinction can be crucial for users who prioritize visual aesthetics in conjunction with performance, as the choice of housing material directly affects the perceived appearance and interaction with lighting setups.
When considering the combined effects of both materials in the Akko Botany and KTT F2 switches, it is essential to recognize how the differing properties of the top and bottom housings confer unique characteristics to each switch's performance. The nylon used in the Botany presents a consistent sound and tactile experience that feels cohesive due to its uniform material composition. Conversely, the polycarbonate in the F2 allows for a crisper sound profile, but users may notice a more pronounced difference in character between the top and bottom housings. Therefore, while they can yield distinct experiences, both the Botany and F2 switches can be tailored through the choice of housing materials to appeal to specific auditory preferences, ensuring satisfying outcomes for diverse typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the KTT F2 has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light relative to the Botany. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the Botany for its lower actuation and bottom out forces, providing a softer feel. Meanwhile, the F2 may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience due to its stronger resistance. Overall, if you favor a lighter typing experience, the Akko Botany switch is the better choice, while the KTT F2 may satisfy those who prefer a bit more force in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT F2 linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Botany switch requires a bit more travel to register a key press, making it better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing and gaming. On the other hand, the KTT F2, with its marginally shorter travel distance, may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, which is particularly desirable in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, but if you're seeking a little more depth, the Akko Botany is the preferable choice, whereas the KTT F2 offers a slight edge in responsiveness.
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 F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany switches are characterized by a crisp and lively clacky tone that offers an engaging auditory experience right out of the box. This lively sound can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. Conversely, the KTT F2 switches present a distinct hollow sound signature, which sets them apart in the auditory landscape. While the Botany provides a more pronounced clatter, the F2's sound is more neutral and subdued, making it a flexible choice suitable for various environments, be it work or play.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switches have a yet-to-be-specified tactile quality. However, the KTT F2 switches shine with their feathery and mildly tactile characteristics. These switches require very little effort to actuate, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The feel is further enhanced by the lightly textured surface, offering a nuanced typing experience that can be appealing for both casual and intensive users alike. The subtle resistance of the F2s suggests a comfortable balance, making it easier to achieve precision without overwhelming feedback.
Overall, both the Akko Botany and KTT F2 linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. While the Botany is lively and engaging in its sound profile, the F2 switches provide a more subdued and hollow auditory signature, complementing their light and comfortable feel. Users will find that choosing between these switches depends on their personal preferences for sound and typing experience; with the Botany catering to those who enjoy pronounced feedback, while the F2 appeals to those seeking a gentler, more refined touch. Ultimately, either option can lead to enjoyment and satisfaction, based on individual tastes and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean towards a satisfying auditory experience and a lightweight keystroke, the Botany switch is an excellent choice. Its crisp sound signature and 45-gram actuation force provide a joyful typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy the lively feedback of their keys, especially in creative environments or casual settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle auditory experience coupled with a comfortably textured feel, the KTT F2 switches are worth considering. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams and their unique hollow sound, these switches deliver a balanced performance suitable for both work and gaming, providing a relaxed yet responsive typing experience. Additionally, their feathery touch reduces finger fatigue, making them especially suitable for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your distinct preferences regarding sound, tactile feedback, and overall typing comfort.
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