Akko Botany vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Huano Grape Orange provide distinct yet appealing experiences for users. The Akko Botany stands out with its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This linear switch not only delivers satisfying acoustics but also offers a smooth key press, striking a balance between sound and feel. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange excels in creating a seamless typing experience thanks to its ultra-light actuation force of just 40g, making it ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. While both switches cater to users who prefer a linear typing experience, their unique characteristics—sound versus tactile ease—set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Huano Grape Orange, it is evident that the top housings differ significantly; the Botany uses a nylon top housing while the Grape Orange employs polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and generating a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Grape Orange produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in material composition results in distinct auditory profiles; nylon muffles the sound, while polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency also allows for improved RGB lighting effects, highlighting its capability to enhance the visual component of a keyboard.

On the other hand, both the Botany and Grape Orange feature nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a consistency in sound profile when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, rounder sound experience for both switches. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the tactile feedback and sound produced when pressing down on the keys, users can expect a familiar feel from both switches when they engage. The similar use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a shared sensory experience that complements the contrasting top housings.

Thus, while the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ materially, they also work in tandem to produce a unique auditory experience. The varying properties of nylon and polycarbonate split the sound profile between the two switches. With the nylon bottom providing a consistent tactile quality across both models, users will notice that the overall typing experience embodies both depth and clarity, albeit in different ratios depending on which switch is being used. This blend of materials allows each switch to offer its own character, while the common nylon bottom provides a familiar foundation that enhances the overall user experience.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, both switches are relatively light but exhibit some differences in their force characteristics. The Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams, which is slightly lower than the 40 grams required for the Grape Orange, making the Botany a lighter switch and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Botany is 45 grams, while the Grape Orange requires 50 grams to bottom out, reinforcing the distinction between the two. These differences suggest that users who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Botany for its lower actuation and bottom out forces, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial push feel might favor the Grape Orange due to its higher resistance. Overall, while both switches are classified as light, the Botany offers a more effortless typing experience compared to the slightly heavier Grape Orange.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience the same distance travelled from the top to the bottom for both switches. Consequently, the tactile feedback and typing experience will be quite similar, providing an equivalent sensation during use. Therefore, whether one opts for the Botany or the Grape Orange, the resulting performance in terms of travel distance will remain consistent.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with a crisp and lively clacky sound, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch is designed to be quieter; its sound signature may not be as pronounced, offering a more muted experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction materials and the type of keycaps used. Thus, while the Botany switches lend themselves to a more vocal typing experience, the Grape Orange switches might appeal to users seeking a less obtrusive sonic profile.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch is likely to deliver an enjoyable typing experience characterized by a smooth actuation. This quality can make it a great choice for those who appreciate a linear feel for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch features an exceptionally light actuation force of only 40g, providing an effortlessly smooth typing sensation. This lighter weight can significantly reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and ease of use when selecting their switches.

Overall, both the Akko Botany and Huano Grape Orange linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Botany excels in providing a lively auditory experience while still delivering a smooth feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate sound in their typing experiences. Meanwhile, the Grape Orange prioritizes lightness and comfort, ideal for long typing sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Depending on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, allowing you to tailor your keyboard to fit your exact needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a lively sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory response, the Botany switch, with its crisp and clacky sound, might be the ideal choice for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it suitable for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, particularly beneficial for fast typists or gamers. On the other hand, if your focus is on extended typing sessions and comfort, the Grape Orange switch stands out with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, which allows for an exceptionally effortless typing experience. This makes it an outstanding option for those who prioritize comfort during long hours of use, even if its sound profile may not be as pronounced as that of the Botany. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles; your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more