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Akko Botany vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Gateron Glory Yellow both stand out as compelling linear options, yet they each cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its lively, crisp sound profile, delivering a delightful acoustic feedback that can enhance the tactile joy of typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch excels in providing a smooth keystroke paired with a satisfying travel distance, resulting in an effortless typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. While the Botany appeals to those who enjoy auditory cues with their keystrokes, the Glory Yellow prioritizes an ultra-smooth feel that can make long typing sessions less taxing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

38g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel spring

Spring

15mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Gateron Glory Yellow switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which has a significant impact on their acoustic properties. Both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a cohesive sound profile that is characterized by a deeper and fuller tonal quality. The softness of nylon allows for better sound absorption, minimizing higher frequency sounds that might come from harder plastic materials. Consequently, users can expect a rounder and more muted feedback when typing, generating a similarly pleasant auditory experience across both switch types.

Despite the similarities in their housing materials, the overall typing feel can still be influenced by the design and engineering choices made for each switch. While both the Botany and Glory Yellow utilize nylon to maintain a softer sound profile, differences in spring tension, actuation force, and other internal components may lead to variations in tactile feedback and resistance felt during usage. These factors can alter the overall typing experience even though the essential acoustics and response characteristics of the nylon housing are retained.

Ultimately, since both the Akko Botany and Gateron Glory Yellow switches are constructed with nylon for both top and bottom housings, they will produce similar sound profiles and experiences in terms of muffled acoustic feedback. The deeper, fuller sound that nylon facilitates creates an environment favored by typists seeking a softer auditory experience without the harshness often associated with switches made from harder plastic materials. Therefore, while users may enjoy a similar sound signature from both switches, personal preferences regarding feel and actuation will remain a critical differentiator when selecting between the two.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Glory Yellow switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, making it a heavier option that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. While the Botany's bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, the exact bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown, which complicates direct comparisons regarding the overall feel when bottoming out. Therefore, while the Akko Botany can be considered the lighter option with a more sensitive touch, the heavier Gateron Glory Yellow may suit users looking for greater resistance and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Botany switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive nature. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its 4 mm travel distance, might provide a more traditional feel for those who prefer a more pronounced depth when pressing the keys. As such, users who appreciate a deeper actuation may gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Yellow, whereas those looking for faster keystrokes and less resistance may find the Akko Botany to be a better choice.

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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.

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 linear switch is known for producing a crisp and lively clacky sound that stands out from many other linear switches, providing a dynamic auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch doesn’t focus on sound, but rather prioritizes a smooth keystroke that creates a more subdued acoustic profile. This means the Botany switch can be more engaging for those who appreciate auditory feedback, while the Glory Yellow is more subdued, making it ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. However, it's important to note that sound is also influenced by the keyboard build and keycap selection.

Regarding feel, the Akko Botany switch offers a unique sensation with its lively actuation point, contributing to an engaging typing experience that many users enjoy. It provides tactile feedback that can enhance the sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is designed for a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, allowing for a comfortable and fluid typing experience. Users who prefer a more linear and untextured feel may gravitate toward the Glory Yellow due to its emphasis on smoothness, while those who enjoy a bit of texture may find the Botany switch more appealing.

Ultimately, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If one seeks a more pronounced auditory experience alongside a unique tactile feedback, the Botany would be the better choice. Conversely, for a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Glory Yellow would be preferable. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, and either option can deliver satisfying results depending on these criteria.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and the overall typing experience will play a crucial role. If you find that you prefer a lighter switch with a crisp and lively sound that enhances the tactile feedback of your typing, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram actuation force delivers a quick response, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate an energetic keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and more satisfying keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow may suit you better. Despite the unavailable bottom-out force data, it is known for its enjoyable typing experience, which is perfect for extended typing sessions or casual use. Ultimately, selecting the right switch will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more auditory typing experience with the Botany or a smoother and more fluid feel with the Glory Yellow. Every typing experience is unique, and it's essential to consider what aspects matter most to your individual style and comfort.

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