Akko Botany vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each option. The Akko Botany switches stand out with their crisp and lively clacky sound, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a bit of aural stimulation. This switch is well-suited for those who appreciate a lively typing feel and sound profile in their keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches shine as a budget-friendly choice, boasting a higher-pitched clack and a bouncy response that appeals to gamers and typists alike. Their polished and creamy feel provides a satisfying typing experience, making them an excellent option for those looking for performance without breaking the bank. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinctive sound profiles and tactile responses offer different experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches showcase a fascinating contrast in their top housing material, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Akko Botany uses a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that results in a deeper and fuller sound. This quality helps in absorbing sound, thus creating a warm and rounded acoustic experience during typing. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its rigidity. This material produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, resulting in a more resonant typing experience. The inherent differences in these materials provide users with distinct auditory feedback, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound aesthetics.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, we find a remarkable alignment in material choice, as both the Akko Botany and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound during keypresses due to nylon’s sound-absorbing properties. The bottom housing tends to have a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out feel, making the tactile experience more consistent across both switches. This indicates that, despite the differences in their top housing materials, users would still experience a comparable acoustic profile when pressing down on either switch.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the construction of these switches shows how they can yield diverse auditory experiences through their respective top housings while maintaining a shared auditory depth from their nylon bottom housings. For users who seek a deeper sound akin to the Akko Botany, the emphasis on the nylon bottom housing ensures an enjoyable experience, even when paired with the sharper accents of a polycarbonate top. Conversely, fans of clarity and brightness will appreciate the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top, which remains harmonized with the full-bodied depth provided by its nylon bottom. Thus, despite their differences, you'll find that both switches can deliver rich, nuanced sound profiles depending on the context of sound layering they present.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which makes it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial and tactile typing experience. As such, the Botany switch can be categorized as lighter and more effortless to actuate, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its heavier forces, offers a firmer feel that some typists may prefer for a more engaging interaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who favor quicker actuation times. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its traditional 4 mm travel, provides a more substantial depth that some users may find more comfortable and less abrupt. The difference in travel distances indicates that if you're drawn to quicker responsiveness, the 3.6 mm of the Botany would suit you better, whereas those who prefer a more classic typing experience might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Thus, choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding the balance between speed and depth.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 produce a crisp and lively clacky sound that adds a distinct character to the typing experience. This sound profile offers a vibrant auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches deliver a higher-pitched clacky sound that is sharp and resonant. This quality results in a clear, bright auditory feedback that avoids the deeper, richer tones some switches provide. Both switches can potentially match each other's clackiness to some extent, but the Botany tends to lean towards a livelier sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow shines with its unmistakable high-pitched clarity.
When considering feel, the Akko Botany switches are known for their response, which many find has not been thoroughly quantified yet. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience that enhances the overall comfort while typing. The factory lubing likely contributes to this smoothness, allowing for a reduced friction key travel that feels effortless. Though specific details about the Botany's feel are not mentioned, it is generally expected that the experience may differ, as the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's buttery glide is a definitive highlight for many users seeking a smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Botany is recognized for its lively clacky sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels with its sharp, higher-pitched resonance. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its polished and creamy typing experience, though specifics about the Botany's feel remain elusive. Ultimately, newcomers can look forward to a satisfying experience with either switch, depending on their preferences for sound and typing sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a lower actuation force that provides a lively, clacky sound and a crisp auditory experience, the Botany is likely the better choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom out force allows for faster typing with less finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or if you appreciate that engaging sound profile. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more robust typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, you should lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. This switch offers a polished and creamy feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel, which can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. The high-pitched, resonant sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow adds an immersive auditory touch, making it appealing if you're drawn to an engaging and budget-friendly linear option. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a lighter, more playful switch experience from the Botany or a sturdier, more polished feeling from the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
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