Akko Botany vs. TTC Flame Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style and preferences, the Akko Botany and TTC Flame Red linear switches present two compelling options, each with its unique characteristics. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red shines not only for its smooth and weighty feel but also for its stunning visual appeal, thanks to its dazzling light diffuser that enhances the beauty of backlit and RGB keyboards. Both switches offer a linear experience, but they cater to different priorities: the Botany focuses on sound and tactile feedback, while the Flame Red emphasizes aesthetics paired with smooth performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

TTC Flame Red Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the TTC Flame Red, we find that both switches share identical attributes in their construction. Both the top and bottom housings of these switches are made from nylon, a material revered within the community for its acoustic properties and tactile characteristics. The use of nylon in both models allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar sensory experience in terms of sound quality, regardless of their choice between the two.

Furthermore, the impact of the nylon housing on the key feel and sound is consistent across both switches. Since both the Botany and Flame Red switches are constructed entirely from nylon, they will yield similar tactile feedback when pressed and released. The characteristics of the bottom housing, which primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, are likewise harmonized between these two models. Therefore, whether one is using the Akko Botany or the TTC Flame Red, the nylon housing ensures that the experience remains uniform, with both switches promoting a satisfying and rich typing experience.

In summary, the Akko Botany and the TTC Flame Red are essentially parallel in their design through their exclusive use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. This similarity guarantees that users will experience a comparable quality in typing sound and feel, regardless of which switch they choose. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference in style or branding, as the acoustic and tactile performance of the switches remains consistent due to their shared material properties.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a great choice for users who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. This means that while the Botany is lighter and more forgiving on the fingers during long sessions, the Flame Red provides a firmer resistance that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, users seeking comfort in prolonged use would benefit from the Akko Botany, while those who enjoy a stronger tactile response may prefer the TTC Flame Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Flame Red offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Botany switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances facilitate faster actuation. In contrast, the Flame Red, with its longer 4.0 mm distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when pressing keys, providing a satisfying depth that some users find more comfortable. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Botany switch is the better choice, whereas those who favor a deeper travel experience might lean towards the TTC Flame Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany switches produce a crisp and lively clacky sound that’s sure to catch the attention of anyone nearby. This distinctive acoustic profile makes them an engaging choice for typists who appreciate audible feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switches have a neutral sound profile that is characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement. This versatility means that while they don’t boast the same clackiness of the Botany, they offer a balanced auditory experience that suits both beginners and seasoned users alike. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and the keycap materials used.

In terms of feel, the Botany switches deliver an engaging tactile experience, although specific details on their tactile characteristics are not mentioned. The TTC Flame Red switches stand out with their mild feel, offering a gentler typing experience that is very user-friendly, making them accessible for users of all skill levels. Moreover, the polished finish of the Flame Red provides a smooth and refined tactile experience, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek key travel that contributes to a more enjoyable typing session. While the Botany’s feel isn’t explicitly described, the presence of a notably pleasant typing experience suggests that they likely provide a satisfying performance comparable to the smoother, more polished nature of the Flame Red.

In summary, while the Akko Botany linear switches shine with their crisp and lively sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switches offer a more neutral auditory experience. Both options would deliver enjoyable typing results, but they cater to slightly different preferences: the Botany focuses on auditory feedback, while the Flame Red emphasizes a smoother and milder feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two will come down to whether one prioritizes crisp audio feedback or a gentler, more polished typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, tactile feedback, and intended use. If you appreciate a lighter bottom-out force and love the crisp, clacky sound that the Botany provides, this switch is an excellent choice for a lively typing experience. It's particularly suitable if you find yourself typing a lot or gaming casually since the lighter resistance can reduce fatigue over extended use. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more moderate typing experience with a visually appealing design, the TTC Flame Red is the way to go. Its medium-light bottom-out force provides a smooth and polished feel that many find comfortable for both gaming and typing. Additionally, if your keyboard features RGB lighting, the Flame Red's superior light diffusion can enhance your setup's aesthetic appeal. Therefore, consider how you prioritize sound, feel, and use when selecting between these two noteworthy switches.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more