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Akko Botany vs. Jwick Ginger Milk

An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the lively Akko Botany and the smooth Jwick Ginger Milk. The Botany switches are celebrated for their distinct clackiness, offering a crisp, energetic sound that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy an auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switches embody a softer, pastel-like quality, ensuring a more subdued and refined feel. Their silky smooth actuation and muted, snappy sound profile provide a welcoming environment for users seeking comfort in each keystroke. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

38g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

63.5g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

No

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

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Jwick Ginger Milk, it becomes evident that there is a significant contrast in the choices made for the top housing. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness. The nylon absorbs sound effectively, leading to a rounder sound that can provide a more muted auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer nature, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically appealing option for those who value visual enhancements alongside sound.

Conversely, both the Akko Botany and the Jwick Ginger Milk feature nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material choice means that both switches will display similar sound characteristics at their lower end, as nylon's sound absorption properties create a duller and fuller sound. The impact of this bottom housing becomes noticeable during key presses, influencing how each switch responds when bottomed out. The consistency in material between the two switches at the bottom means that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a similarity in the tactile feedback and sound profile from the base when they type.

The split design in housing materials between the two switches suggests that users will experience a blend of characteristics unique to each model. While the Akko Botany’s nylon top gives it a deeper sound, the Ginger Milk’s polycarbonate top brings a crisper sound to the forefront. However, with both switches sharing nylon in the bottom housing, they will converge in the auditory profile when pressed down, allowing users to appreciate the nuanced differences when releasing the key. This balance of materials results in a distinctive typing experience for each switch, with the top and bottom housing contributing their respective qualities to the overall sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Botany has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ginger Milk features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Consequently, those who favor lighter switches might gravitate towards the Botany, whereas users looking for a firmer tactile experience would likely prefer the heavier Ginger Milk switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preferences regarding typing force and comfort during extended use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we find that the Botany measures 3.6 mm, while the Ginger Milk has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, appealing to users who prefer a quicker, more responsive experience often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Ginger Milk, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Botany offers a more rapid response, while the Ginger Milk provides a more pronounced depth, catering to different user preferences.

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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.

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

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp and lively clacky sound, providing an audible feedback that's both engaging and energizing. This characteristic makes it suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch presents a softer and more muted sound profile; it is described as having a neutral sound that blends well in various environments. This makes the Ginger Milk a more versatile option, as its gentle audio signature ensures it won't be overly intrusive, making it well-suited for both home and office settings.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Botany linear switches have unspecified tactile qualities but are generally thought to provide a pleasant experience. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switches are known for their buttery smoothness, allowing for a seamless and fluid keystroke. This effortless typing sensation appeals to those looking for a relaxing experience during prolonged use, contributing to an overall enjoyable feel that may lead to less finger fatigue over time.

In summary, while the Akko Botany switches offer a vibrant and pronounced auditory experience that is perfect for users seeking lively feedback, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches deliver a more subdued and smooth typing experience. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with each providing distinct benefits. If you seek a lively, clacky sound, the Botany may be your go-to, while those desiring a more muted, buttery feel might find the Ginger Milk aligns better with their needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a lighter switch that offers a lively and clacky sound, the Botany is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while typing. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer quick, responsive keystrokes, perfect for fast-paced gaming or casual typing sessions where you want to feel every key press distinctly. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk is better suited if you seek a serene typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams. Its buttery feel and muted sound profile make it a great choice for quieter environments, such as office settings, where you need to maintain focus without excessive noise. The smoothness and approachable push of the Ginger Milk provide a sense of comfort for longer typing sessions, allowing you to type without discomfort. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs, whether prioritizing sound and responsiveness gets you excited, or if a softer, smoother typing experience is what you crave.

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