Akko Botany vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often face the decision between distinct options that offer unique characteristics suited to different preferences and environments. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their lively clacky sound, providing an engaging auditory experience that many typists enjoy. As a linear switch, the Botany excels in offering smooth key presses with a specific flair—perfect for those who appreciate the auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro stands out for its versatility and ease of use, characterized by a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance between being too loud and too muted. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need a seamless typing experience across various settings, from gaming to office work. While both switches cater to linear switch fans, they represent different aspects of the user experience—one prioritizing acoustic engagement and the other focusing on adaptability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Red Pro utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer properties, which absorb sound and create a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer material that promotes clearer resonance and sharpness. This fundamental difference in material affects the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch and illustrates how the choice of housing directly influences user experience during typing.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches are equipped with nylon, which yields a similar sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the Botany and the Gold Red Pro contributes to a deeper and more tactile response, as the material dampens sound effectively and enriches the typing experience with a fuller bottom-out sound. The consistency of using nylon in the bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, both switches share a fundamental sound quality when bottomed out, providing a cohesive typing feel.
In summary, while the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Red Pro use different materials for their top housing—resulting in their unique sound profiles—their shared nylon bottom housing unifies their typing experiences. When typing, users will perceive the effects of the nylon bottom housing's dampening qualities, while the distinctive attributes of the top housing material will emerge during key release. This interplay illustrates how the combination of different housing materials can yield overall consistency in experience, while still allowing for variation in sound characteristics based on the top actuator material.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, notable differences in actuation force are apparent. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, appealing to those who favor a stronger tactile feedback when typing. Furthermore, the Botany switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating how much force is needed to fully press the key down, while the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown. This means that while users of the Botany may experience consistent lightness throughout their typing experience, the lack of information on the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force leaves some uncertainty. Overall, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, which may result in less finger fatigue, while the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a heavier feel that could enhance the typing experience for those who prefer more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Botany having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Gold Red Pro at 3.8 mm. The Botany, being the shorter of the two, provides a quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel under the fingers, which some users prefer for its deeper engagement. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Botany would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a more pronounced key press, the Gold Red Pro might be more to your liking.
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 Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for producing a crisp and lively clacky sound, which tends to stand out more prominently during typing. This lively auditory feedback can create an engaging experience, especially for those who prefer a more pronounced sound during their key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch possesses a neutral sound signature, which balances between being neither too pronounced nor too muted. This makes it versatile for various environments, as its relatively low-pitched and thocky character adds a satisfying depth without being overly distracting. Users looking for a quieter typing experience may find the Gold Red Pro more accommodating, while those who appreciate a bit of auditory flair may lean towards the Botany.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany linear switch does not provide specific characteristics, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. However, the TTC Gold Red Pro is noted for its polished and silky traits, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction and resistance. Users will experience gently progressive key travel that allows for comfortable typing, perfect for prolonged use. The Gold Red Pro is considered mild and subtle, making it approachable for various users, whether they are newcomers or seasoned typists. The combination of these qualities results in a typing sensation that feels consistently smooth without overwhelming tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch showcases a livelier auditory profile suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a subdued and harmonious typing experience, making it versatile for different scenarios. The Gold Red Pro is also distinguished by its smoothness and minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preferences in sound and feel, as both can deliver satisfying experiences, although they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. If you prioritize sound, the Botany may provide a more engaging experience, while the Gold Red Pro excels in versatility and a refined feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a lively, clacky sound and prefer a lighter key action with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Botany switch could be your ideal option. It provides a more engaged auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for users who enjoy a pronounced sound while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for versatility and a more subtle, polished typing experience, the TTC Gold Red Pro is the right choice for you. Its smooth and silky feel, combined with a neutral sound profile, makes it a versatile option fit for various environments, including gaming, office work, and casual typing. In shared spaces, the Gold Red Pro's mild and low-pitched characteristics make it suitable for quieter surroundings without sacrificing performance. Thus, your decision should align with whether you lean towards a more expressive key response with the Botany or a refined, adaptable typing experience with the Gold Red Pro.
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