Akko Botany vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the differences between options like the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Brown Pro can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an exciting choice for gamers and typists who enjoy an auditory feedback that energizes their keyboard interactions. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a more subdued experience with its gentle tactile bump, designed for those who prefer nuanced feedback without overwhelming auditory reminders. With its polished and subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro caters to users who thrive in a quieter setting, allowing for a focused and immersive typing experience. Each switch presents unique benefits: if you prioritize responsiveness and sound, the Botany might be your go-to, while the Gold Brown Pro could be ideal for those seeking a more refined, tactile experience. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches, a significant distinction can be observed in their top housing materials. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less sharp. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material that is considerably stiffer, leading to a crisper and higher-pitched auditory experience. This difference means that while the Botany offers a more muted sound, the Gold Brown Pro provides a clear and resonant quality, making the experience of typing on each switch distinct in terms of sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Brown Pro utilize nylon, which leads to similarities in their bottom-out sounds and feels. The use of nylon in both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound, creating a consistent auditory experience at the base of the switch. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed down, both switches will deliver a similar bottoming-out experience characterized by a muted, round sound. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a sound profile that echoes the qualities of nylon—duller and rounded—regardless of the differences in the top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the Akko Botany and TTC Gold Brown Pro leads to a unique sound and tactile experience that is shaped by both the top and bottom components. While the Botany offers a warmer and more subdued auditory experience due to its nylon top, the Gold Brown Pro provides a sharp contrast with its polycarbonate housing, enhancing clarity. However, the shared nylon bottom housing results in a commonality that balances their differences; both switches will evoke a fuller sound upon key presses. As a result, users can anticipate a nuanced variation in sound and feel when typing, yet both switches ultimately provide a satisfying experience shaped by their respective material qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Botany switch features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer less resistance during typing, which can enhance comfort during prolonged use, such as in work or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Botany is 45 grams—indicating the force required to fully depress the key—the TTC Gold Brown Pro does not have a defined bottom out force available, which complicates direct comparison in that regard. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter feel should opt for the Akko Botany switch, while those who desire a firmer push should consider the TTC Gold Brown Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there is a distinct difference. The Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This inherently means that the Botany switch offers a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown Pro, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users prefer, especially those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on whether you favor a quick response or a more pronounced depth in your typing 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 sound signature of the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized as crisp and lively, delivering a distinctive clacky sound that is immediately noticeable with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a more subdued auditory experience, featuring a thocky sound that is low-pitched and neutral, allowing for a deep, rich tone upon actuation without overwhelming the auditory senses. The Gold Brown Pro emphasizes a soft "thud" that blends into the background, making it ideal for settings where minimal noise is preferred. Thus, while the Botany provides a more vibrant acoustic presence, the Gold Brown Pro opts for a quieter, more immersive approach, catering to typists who desire subtlety.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany’s characteristics aren’t specified, making it hard to directly compare to the tactile sensations of the TTC Gold Brown Pro. However, the Gold Brown Pro is noted for its polished and silky texture, leading to a smooth typing experience that minimizes friction during keystroke registration. This switch is designed to provide a mild tactile feedback without overwhelming the user, encapsulating a gentle yet noticeable actuation. The subtlety is further enhanced by its stepped tactile design, which contrasts with switches that offer a more pronounced bump. The result is a refined and approachable typing experience, appealing to those who may not want the extremes of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko Botany linear switch and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Botany excels in delivering a lively clacking sound that appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, whereas the Gold Brown Pro opts for an understated approach with a soft, thocky sound and a smooth experience marked by gentle tactile nuances. For a newcomer, understanding these distinctions will aid in selecting a switch that aligns with their typing style and environment, whether they seek vibrant acoustics or a more reserved tactile interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using them. If you prefer a lively, light switch that delivers a crisp, clacky sound, the Botany is an excellent choice; its 45-gram actuation force makes it easy to type quickly and comfortably, perfect for those who enjoy a more expressive sound while typing. This switch is great if you’re in a setting where the sound won’t be an issue, like a home office or a dedicated workspace. However, if you value subtlety and prefer a more nuanced typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed for you. Its gentle tactile feedback allows you to stay immersed in your work with minimal distractions, making it suitable for shared environments like offices, where maintaining a low noise level is essential. Overall, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a more energetic sound and feel or a smooth, quiet experience that facilitates concentration.
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