Akko Botany vs. Akko Fairy

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Akko Fairy offer two distinct experiences, both categorized as linear switches yet tailored to different user preferences. The Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Fairy switches cater to more subdued environments, featuring a refined, factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience ideal for office settings. Their medium weight strikes a perfect balance, ensuring enough resistance for a satisfying press, which prevents fatigue during long typing sessions. While the Botany switches bring a vivacity that can elevate your typing experience, the Fairy switches prioritize a quieter, more comfortable use, making them suitable for professional environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Akko Fairy Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Akko Fairy keyboards are both constructed with nylon as their primary housing material—both in the top and bottom sections. Since nylon is a classic material for switch housings, both variants elicit a similar acoustic profile, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. This similarity arises because nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic, which inherently absorbs more sound compared to harder plastic materials. Consequently, this shared material choice ensures that users of both keyboards can expect a distinctively mellow auditory experience while typing, elevating the overall tactile and auditory enjoyment of both models.

When examining the specifics of the housings, it becomes evident that the nylon used in both the Botany and the Fairy serves comparable functions. Due to nylon’s absorption qualities, both keyboards will produce a similar rounded sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottoming-out sound and tactile response more significantly. As both keyboards utilize nylon for both top and bottom housings, the character of the typing feel remains consistent, as neither design sacrifices the benefits of nylon for other materials that could alter the sound profile or typing experience. This will result in a uniform typing experience, akin to a cohesive symphony that resonates throughout each keystroke.

In terms of the performance variability due to housing differences, it's essential to note that since both the Botany and Fairy share the same nylon composition, the distinctions typically derived from top and bottom housing materials do not apply in this case. The potential sonic disparities that arise in setups using different materials are effectively mitigated here, leading to a homogenized experience across both keyboard models. Thus, regardless of whether one opts for the Akko Botany or the Akko Fairy, they can expect a consistently enjoyable typing experience rooted in the acclaimed qualities of nylon.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Akko Fairy linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prioritize a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Fairy switch has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel with a stronger pushback while typing. These contrasting force specifications mean that the Botany switch would be better suited for those who favor a lighter switch for comfort, whereas the Fairy switch would appeal to users seeking a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Botany switch is lighter, while the Fairy switch is heavier, reflecting distinct preferences in tactile feedback and user experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch differs, with the Botany switch featuring a distance of 3.6 mm and the Fairy switch at 3.3 mm. This means that when pressed, the Botany switch will provide a slightly deeper feedback compared to the Fairy switch, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feeling while typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Fairy switch may favor gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. As a result, individuals who prioritize responsiveness may find the Fairyswitch more appealing, while those who appreciate a fuller keystroke may prefer the Botany switch. Thus, in summary, the Botany has the longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, whereas the Fairy offers a shorter travel distance at 3.3 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp, lively, and clacky sound, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. This lively sound profile may resonate well with enthusiasts looking for a tactile experience, adding an extra layer of enjoyment while using the keyboard. On the flip side, the Akko Fairy switch is designed with a more muted and neutral sound, ideal for environments where noise reduction is key. Its quieter operation helps minimize distractions, making it an excellent option for office settings where sound considerations are important. The sound characteristics between these switches cater to very different preferences, with Botany appealing to those who crave acoustic engagement and Fairy targeting users who prioritize a serene typing environment.

In terms of tactile feel, the Botany switch's qualities are less clearly specified, but the Akko Fairy switch is highlighted for its mild and subtle characteristics. The Fairy’s more gentle typing experience is designed to offer approachable feedback without overwhelming the user, striking a balance that makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The mild resistance in the Fairy switch ensures that it’s not too heavy, which can be advantageous for daily use, especially in work environments. While Botany's tactile feedback is not elaborated upon, it's likely to provide a more pronounced, engaging feel, appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance and comfort while typing.

In summary, both the Akko Botany and Akko Fairy linear switches serve distinct purposes based on their sound and feel characteristics. The Botany excels in producing a lively sound that enhances the typing experience, while the Fairy caters to those in need of a quieter and subtler typing experience suitable for professional settings. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences for auditory feedback and typing comfort, as they offer contrasting experiences that can both lead to satisfying results based on your requirements.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany and Akko Fairy linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a lighter switch that provides a lively, clacky sound and you enjoy the sensation of quick key presses, the Botany switch may be the perfect fit for you. It’s especially beneficial for those who appreciate a more expressive typing experience or for gaming where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more balanced typing experience with medium resistance that minimizes noise, the Akko Fairy switch would be more suitable. It’s designed for professional environments and extended use, offering a refined, muted sound profile and smooth feel that reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. Therefore, consider your primary use, whether it's gaming or working in a shared space, to guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Akko Fairy Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more