Akko Botany vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, gamers and typists alike often find themselves comparing options like the Akko Botany and the TTC Flaming Pink, both of which are linear switches. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are renowned for their smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, which not only enhances the typing experience but also caters to both gaming and everyday use with a balanced sound profile that is bright yet not excessively loud. Both switches bring unique characteristics to the table, with the Botany excelling in its vibrant auditory presence and the Flaming Pink shining in its overall smoothness and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the TTC Flaming Pink, the most significant difference lies in the top housing composition. The Botany uses nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon’s softer plastic properties that dampen sound vibrations. This results in a rounder auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued acoustic feedback when typing. In contrast, the Flaming Pink employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and more resonant sound, giving it a crisper auditory quality that appeals to those seeking a brighter and more pronounced keystroke experience. The choice of these materials reflects the intended sound profiles, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which effectively unifies the sound characteristics of both keyboards. Nylon's inherent qualities lead to a similar deep and full sound profile in the case of the saturated acoustic experience when the key is pressed down. This similarity in bottom housing material means that regardless of the distinct top housing materials, users can expect a cohesive sound experience when bottoming out on both the Botany and the Flaming Pink. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing indicates a shared characteristic that regulates the auditory feedback during key presses, ensuring that users enjoy a rounded sound throughout their typing sessions.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials results in a nuanced distinction between the two switches. The top housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound quality upon key release, while the bottom housing primarily impacts the sound and feel of the bottom-out action. As a result, even though the Botany and Flaming Pink employ the same nylon material for their bottom housings, the divergence in top housing materials ultimately creates unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences. Typists may gravitate towards the Botany's rich and subdued tones or the Flaming Pink's crisp and clear feedback, depending on their auditory preferences, while still benefiting from similar characteristics when keys are fully pressed down.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, we can observe some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. While both switches are considered light, the Flaming Pink requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Botany. This means that users seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the slightly heavier Flaming Pink switch, while those who favor a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Botany. Overall, although both switches provide a smooth linear experience, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces will influence the user's choice based on their preference for weight and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that users will experience a similar keystroke depth when pressing down on either switch. This equals travel distance means that both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent keypress experience. Consequently, users can expect a uniform feel between the two switches, enhancing the overall typing or gaming experience without any notable differences in travel distance.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 stand out with a crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, making them particularly appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. This lively quality may enhance the overall typing experience and can create an engaging atmosphere, especially in a quiet setting. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are characterized by their smooth yet responsive feel combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between being bright and not overly loud. This makes the Flaming Pink switches suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, as their sound profile provides the feedback without being overly intrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches are known for delivering a unique typing sensation that is crisp and lively, enhancing the tactile feedback users receive with each keypress. This makes them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more pronounced and engaging tactile experience. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Pink switches prioritize a smooth, responsive feel that caters to both gamers and typists alike. The combination of seamless keystrokes and a premium bottom-out experience makes the Flaming Pink appealing for users who prefer a more fluid and effortless typing motion.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and TTC Flaming Pink switches deliver compelling auditory and tactile experiences, though they cater to slightly different preferences. While the Botany emphasizes a more pronounced clacky sound and crisp feel, the Flaming Pink offers a smoother action and a sound profile that balances brightness with subtlety. Users seeking a lively and engaging typing experience may lean towards the Botany, while those who prefer a premium, versatile experience might find the Flaming Pink to their liking. Ultimately, both switches promise satisfaction in their own right, making them great choices depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as the specific use case. If you prefer a lighter touch with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Akko Botany switch, with its crisp and lively clacky sound, might be ideal for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for typists who enjoy a more tactile experience and find joy in the acoustic aspect of typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth, responsive feel that combines subtle auditory feedback with usability in gaming and everyday tasks, the TTC Flaming Pink switch could be the better option. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force provides a bit more resistance, which some may find advantageous for precision. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by whether you prioritize sound and a more interactive feel, or if you lean towards a balanced experience with a focus on smoothness and versatility. Either way, each switch brings unique characteristics that can enhance your typing or gaming experience, so consider trying both to see which resonates with you more.
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