Akko Botany vs. TTC Gold Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence the typing experience, and two popular options are the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Silver linear switches. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable right from the start. This makes it an appealing option for those who appreciate an engaging acoustic experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels in rapid responsiveness, characterized by its shortened travel distance that delivers a decisive bottom-out with each keystroke. This switch is designed for precision, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience, making it a favorite among users who prioritize speed and efficiency. While both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences—Botany's lively sound versus Gold Silver's seamless action—it's essential to dig a little deeper into their features and performance to determine which one ultimately suits your typing style best.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Silver, it is evident that they utilize different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences the auditory experience provided by each switch. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon’s softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Gold Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, resulting in a higher-pitched typing sound. Thus, while both switches aim for appealing sound profiles, the acoustic qualities diverge considerably, leading to distinctly different typing experiences.

Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a uniform experience when it comes to sound absorption. The nylon bottom housing in both the Akko Botany and the TTC Gold Silver engenders a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency allows users to expect a similar auditory impact on the bottom-out sound and feel irrespective of the differing top materials. The nylon's ability to dampen sound contributes to a muted tactile experience, making both switches feel more cohesive in terms of their fundamental sound characteristics, even given their contrasting top housings.

The interplay of housing materials in both switches emphasizes how each component influences the overall auditory and tactile feedback experienced by the user. The differences in the top housings—nylon for the Botany and polycarbonate for the Gold Silver—drive variations in sound clarity, while the similarity in the bottom housings ensures that users experience a consistent depth of sound. Thus, while the two switches may exhibit distinct auditory profiles, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both cases provides a unifying element that enhances the tactile experience. Consequently, those who opt for either switch can anticipate satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel, catering to a diverse range of user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, a notable difference exists in their actuation forces. The Botany switch has a light actuation force of 38 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer easier keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gold Silver switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch remains unknown, complicating a direct comparison. The Botany’s bottom out force of 45 grams contributes to its lightweight feel overall, while the Gold Silver, with its unknown bottom out force, could potentially offer a different tactile experience that may not match the Botany's responsiveness. Therefore, if you favor lighter options for comfort during prolonged use, the Akko Botany linear switch emerges as the clear choice, whereas the TTC Gold Silver might be better suited for individuals who appreciate a heavier push feel.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Botany switch ideal for users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, providing a sensation that some might find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch appeals to those seeking a quicker actuation, as its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance can facilitate faster response times, a characteristic often preferred by gamers. Thus, while both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range that has become popular in recent years, the Botany offers a greater depth, making it the longer option, whereas the Gold Silver is the shorter switch, catering to a more responsive experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp and lively clacky sound that immediately captures attention, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switches direct themselves towards a more thocky sound profile, producing a low-pitched, deep tone akin to a soft “thud” when pressed. This sound is complemented by a neutral character, making it versatile for a variety of environments, from home to office. Ultimately, while both switches deliver a unique auditory experience, the Botany may appeal more to enthusiasts seeking brightness, while the Gold Silver prioritizes a deeper, more mellow resonance.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko Botany's specifics are unknown, leaving room for interpretation by users who value subjective experiences. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switches shine with their polished and silky attributes, offering an exceptionally smooth typing journey. The refined finish leads to reduced friction and an overall elevated typing experience. Their mild and subtle character ensures that they feel approachable and user-friendly, making them suitable for casual and professional use alike. While the Botany’s tactile qualities are unclear, those who appreciate a smooth and gentle action will find a lot to love in the Gold Silver.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver switch offer compelling yet distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Botany's crisp sound may attract those who enjoy a lively typing experience, while the Gold Silver's thocky, low-pitched resonance provides a richer auditory backdrop. In terms of feel, the unknown characteristics of the Botany leave it open-ended, yet the Gold Silver’s polished and silky nature delivers a refined typing experience. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the Botany's lively clack or the Gold Silver's resonant thock, both options are likely to yield satisfying results tailored to individual typing styles and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you gravitate towards a softer, more approachable feel with a sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Botany switch, with its light 45 grams bottom-out force and vibrant clacky sound, is an excellent choice for both casual typing and gaming. It embodies a lively atmosphere, making it perfect for environments where you want a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your keystrokes, the TTC Gold Silver should be your go-to option. Its polished, silky feel and muted yet thocky sound deliver an efficient typing experience that is satisfying without being overly distracting, making it suitable for fast-paced environments. Therefore, if you want a switch that feels smooth and decisive with every press, the Gold Silver is the way to go. In essence, your choice depends on whether you value a lively auditory experience or a swift, understated performance.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more