Akko Botany vs. TTC Flaming Purple

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference and typing style can play a significant role in deciding between options like the Akko Botany and the TTC Flaming Purple, both of which are linear switches but offer quite different auditory and tactile experiences. The Botany is characterized by its crisp, lively clacky sound, providing a more pronounced acoustic feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a tad more auditory stimulation while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple shines with a resonant and neutral sound profile that dips into the bassier end of the spectrum, adding a subtle pop to every keystroke. With its feathery nature and a mere 47g bottom-out force, the Flaming Purple is designed for effortless typing, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. While the Botany offers a more tactile auditory experience, the Flaming Purple emphasizes ease of use and comfort. 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

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and TTC Flaming Purple key switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles produced during use. The Botany's top housing is constructed from nylon, a material that is appreciated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's relatively soft and sound-absorbing characteristics that result in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its ability to create a clearer, crisper sound, making it an excellent choice for users looking for enhanced acoustic clarity, especially in setups involving RGB lighting due to its translucent quality.

When we turn our attention to the bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and TTC Flaming Purple switch types employ nylon, thus establishing a harmonious relationship in terms of sound quality for this component. This shared material ties together the sound profiles of the two switches by producing a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Consequently, while the top housings offer contrasting auditory experiences, the nurturing element of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a cohesive sound quality when keys are bottomed out. The overall impact of the bottom housing becomes paramount here, as it shapes the tactile sensation and sound upon key press.

The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches creates a unique dynamic. While the Botany's nylon top housing produces a rounded sound when releasing a key, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance. However, since both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, they maintain a commonality that results in a similar depth of sound when keys are pressed down. This balancing act of materials means that even though users may experience different sound profiles when typing, both switches can still deliver a satisfying auditory experience through the shared nylon base, ultimately leading to comparable results despite the variations in top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, there are some notable differences in terms of 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 more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Flaming Purple switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, which may appeal more to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Although both switches fall into the light category, the Botany switch is the lighter option overall, while the Flaming Purple provides a firmer push. This variance in force characteristics can help users determine which switch aligns best with their typing style and comfort preferences.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users will experience a similar keypress feel when engaging both switches. As a result, users can expect a consistent actuation depth, making either switch a viable choice for those who prefer that particular travel distance. Since both switches share this measurement, they will provide an equally comfortable typing experience without favoring one over the other in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany switch delivers a crisp and lively auditory experience that is defined by its clacky sound profile. This engaging sound enhances the overall typing experience, bringing a certain satisfaction to each key press. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch presents a more resonant character with a sound signature that leans slightly towards the bassier spectrum. This results in a low-pitched, deeper sound quality that carries a poppy undertone, making it audible yet subtly distinct. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences; however, the Botany leans more towards a higher-pitched, vibrant tone while the Flaming Purple provides a richer, bass-enhanced sound. It's important to note that the overall sound profile will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In the realm of feel, the Akko Botany switch is characterized as having a smooth action, delivering a responsive typing experience with an emphasis on comfort during prolonged use. The TTC Flaming Purple switch excels in its feathery lightness, requiring just 47g of force to bottom out, making it exceptionally easy to press. This quality promotes ease of use and reduces finger fatigue, allowing for longer typing sessions without discomfort. Coupled with its silky texture, the Flaming Purple offers an effortless typing feel that enhances the tactile experience. While the specifics of the Botany's feel may not be as detailed, both switches are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Flaming Purple perhaps offering a slight edge in terms of lightness and smoothness.

In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and TTC Flaming Purple switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Botany switch is focused on a lively and crisp sound, whereas the Flaming Purple brings forth a bassier resonance that adds depth to each keystroke. On the feel spectrum, the Flaming Purple's feathery lightness and silky action may provide an advantage for users who prioritize ease of typing and reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, users can choose between these options based on their auditory and tactile preferences, knowing each switch will contribute positively to their mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your priorities regarding sound and feel. If you value a lively auditory feedback and a clacky sound that keeps the typing experience engaging, the Botany switch with its 45g bottom-out force might be your best bet. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a more responsive feel without putting in too much effort, making it great for both casual and extended typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a deeper, bassy sound profile with a smooth and feathery touch, the TTC Flaming Purple, which has a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 47g, could be more appealing. Its poppy undertone and silky actuation allow for a comfortable typing experience, especially beneficial during long sessions whether you're gaming or working. Ultimately, both switches are light and provide an enjoyable typing experience, but your preference for either clack or bass might sway your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn more