Akko Botany vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and KTT Glimp are two notable linear switches that cater to distinct preferences and typing styles. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, providing an engaging auditory experience right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp offers a medium-light actuation force that strikes an ideal balance between a substantial typing experience and a gentle touch, which is perfect for those who value comfort without feeling overly restricted. Additionally, the Glimp's tactile feedback and mildly clacky sound profile contribute to a rewarding typing sensation that many users find enjoyable. While both switches share traits typical of linear designs, such as smooth keypresses and minimal resistance, their unique sound characteristics and typing experiences make each worth considering for different users' preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and KTT Glimp differ significantly in their housing materials, especially with regard to the top housing. The Botany employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, sound-absorbing properties. This results in a typing experience that produces a duller and rounder sound, creating an intimate and acoustically rich environment for users. In contrast, the Glimp utilizes polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic that contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. As a result, the use of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant typing experience, enhancing detail and brightness in the sound produced. Thus, while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences, where the Botany leans towards warmth and depth and the Glimp emphasizes clarity and sharpness.
When considering the bottom housing, the materials used in both the Botany and Glimp exhibit a point of convergence. Both switches incorporate a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice that elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile. This consistency means that regardless of the differences in top housings, the experience during bottom-out will feel similar when using both switches. The nylon bottom housing, known for its sound-dampening qualities, ensures that both switches deliver a low, plush auditory feedback, allowing typists to experience a rounded and engaging sound when key presses are fully actuated. As a result, while the Glimp aims for a more vibrant sound with its polycarbonate top, the shared material in the bottom housing keeps some level of auditory cohesion between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Akko Botany and KTT Glimp governs the overall typing experience, blending unique aspects of sound and feel. The divergent top housings illustrate how material properties can dramatically influence sound profiles, making each switch distinguishable in terms of auditory feedback when keys are released. In contrast, the shared nylon bottom offers a balance that ultimately can harmonize their experiences when typing. This interplay allows users to appreciate the distinct qualities of each switch while still benefiting from the foundational characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing. Thus, even with different top sound profiles, the solid integration of nylon in the base provides a familiar ground for typists transitioning between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, we see distinctions in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, compared to the Glimp's 43 grams, making the Botany more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Botany again demonstrates a lighter feel at 45 grams, while the Glimp reaches a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This difference suggests that the Botany is overall lighter, providing a softer typing experience, while the Glimp offers a more substantial push with heavier resistance. Those who favor a lighter switch for comfort would likely gravitate towards the Akko Botany, whereas users seeking a more pronounced tactile response could opt for the KTT Glimp.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, we observe a notable difference: the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glimp features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction means that those who prefer quicker key presses and faster response times might gravitate towards the Akko Botany, as its shorter travel distance may enhance overall efficiency, especially in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the KTT Glimp, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and deeper feedback, making it potentially more suitable for typing or general use. Thus, for those prioritizing responsiveness, the Botany is the better choice, while the Glimp caters to those who appreciate a more tactile and robust experience.
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 KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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
The Akko Botany switches produce a distinctly lively and clacky sound, making them a great choice for typists who appreciate an auditory element to their keyboard experience. Their sharp and bright sound profile delivers a crisp percussive effect with each keystroke, ensuring that users get immediate feedback not just in terms of feel but also sound. This lively audio quality makes the Botany switches particularly pleasurable for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic character in their typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Glimp switches provide a similar clacky sound, characterized by their sharp and snappy auditory feedback. With their neutral sound profile, Glimp switches can be versatile enough to suit various environments, whether at home or in the office, allowing for a more subtle auditory experience without sacrificing a lively character.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches are not specifically characterized in the available information. However, the KTT Glimp switches are noted for offering a creamy typing experience, which provides a smooth and buttery sensation under the fingers. The slight tactile feedback and mild actuation force of the Glimp switches result in a pleasant typing experience that isn’t overwhelming for the user. This aspect makes them suitable for a broad range of typists, from beginners to more experienced users. While we don’t have descriptors for the feel of the Botany switches, if they share certain traits with the Glimp, one could expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience overall.
In summary, both the Akko Botany and KTT Glimp switches have their own strengths regarding sound and feel. The Botany switches stand out for their lively and pronounced clacky audio, while the Glimp switches offer a more versatile sound with a focus on a creamy and gentle feel. If you're looking for a keyboard experience that emphasizes sound, the Botany would be your go-to. However, if you seek a smooth typing experience that balances sound with comfort, the Glimp switches could serve you well. Given their unique qualities, users can enjoy distinct auditory and tactile sensations, tailoring their mechanical keyboard experience to their personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you are deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, consider your personal preferences in both sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a crisp, clacky sound, the Botany switch would likely be the right choice for you. With its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams, it can provide a lively and engaging typing experience that's perfect for rapid typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more balanced typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams, the Glimp switch may be your go-to. It offers a creamy, buttery feel and a satisfying tactile feedback, making it great for both long typing sessions and everyday use, especially in environments where a neutral sound profile is more appropriate. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you lean towards a lighter, more auditory experience with the Botany or a smooth and balanced typing feel with the Glimp. By understanding these key differences, you can select the switch that best fits your needs and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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