Akko Botany vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and HMX Gravel switches each offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Botany switches excel with their lively, clacky sound, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel, which appeals to users seeking a more effortless touch, thanks to their medium-light actuation force. Both switches are classified as linear, yet they cater to varying tastes in acoustic feedback and typing dynamics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the auditory engagement of the Botany or the smooth, responsive feel of the Gravel. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and HMX Gravel switches, distinct differences emerge in how the two materials influence sound profiles. The Botany utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is characterized by its softer and more sound-absorbing properties. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Gravel's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This difference in material contributes significantly to the overall typing experience, especially in the sounds generated when a user releases a key, with the Gravel offering a more resonant and clear auditory response due to its rigidity.
Both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, which promotes a consistent tactile experience. The nylon in the bottom of the Botany delivers that familiar deeper sound profile as well, aligning with its top housing. The Gravel, despite having a polycarbonate top, still echoes this deeper sound in its bottom housing. This creates an interesting dynamic, as both switches share a commonality in the bottom housing material, thus contributing to a fuller bottom-out sound when pressing the keys down. However, the blending of materials between the two switches demonstrates the importance of both the top and bottom housings, as they create a unique acoustic environment for each switch, despite the bottom housing being the same in both cases.
Ultimately, the distinction between the top housings of both switches highlights how varying materials can produce differing results in sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housings provide a binding element that contributes to a coherent typing feel. The hybrid nature of the Botany and Gravel switches means that users can expect various auditory experiences depending on whether a key is pressed or released. In essence, the combination of a softer nylon bottom and contrasting top materials indicates that while both switches will offer a satisfying and tactile performance, the sound experience will differ significantly due to their differing top materials, illustrating the interplay between housing material choices and the resulting acoustic properties.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the HMX Gravel linear switch, we can observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter and providing a more effortless typing experience ideal for extended use, such as typing at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, contributing to a more substantial feel while typing. This makes the Gravel more appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel and a firmer response. Overall, while both switches are described as light, the Botany stands out as the lighter option, promoting ease of use, whereas the Gravel offers greater resistance for those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gravel switch has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a more substantial feel when pressed, the Botany switch might be the preferable choice due to its longer travel distance, which could provide a more satisfying depth. On the other hand, the Gravel switch, being shorter by just 0.1 mm, may appeal to those who favor quicker response times, common among gamers who appreciate a snappier actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness; a minor difference in travel distance can influence the tactile experience significantly.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 characterized by its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an engaging option for users who appreciate auditory feedback with each keystroke. This lighter, more vibrant sound profile promotes an enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who prefer a more expressive auditory element during use. On the other hand, while the HMX Gravel switch is not specifically noted for a sound profile, it is typically associated with smoothness and refinement rather than pronounced sound characteristics. It's essential to recognize that the acoustic experience of both switches can be influenced by other factors like the keyboard construction and keycap materials you choose.
When discussing feel, the Akko Botany switch aims to deliver a tactile typing experience, though it isn’t explicitly described, it presumably combines its clacky sound profile with a smooth travel. Meanwhile, the HMX Gravel switch excels with its exceptional smoothness and lighter actuation force, providing a responsive and effortless experience that users often find pleasurable and suited for long typing sessions. This ease of use makes the Gravel a favorite among those who prioritize a fluid and comfortable touch.
In summary, both the Akko Botany and HMX Gravel linear switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard switch landscape. The Botany offers a lively, sound-centric experience perfect for users who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Gravel focuses on delivering exceptional smoothness and a lightweight feel for a responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value sound or feel more highly in your typing experience, but both switches promise quality performance in their respective areas.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Akko Botany linear switch or the HMX Gravel linear switch, think about your personal typing preferences and sound requirements. If you enjoy a light actuation with a lively and clacky sound profile that adds character to your keystrokes, the Botany switch will likely enhance your typing experience. Its 45-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for users who prefer a tactile feedback and auditory pleasure while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother, refined typing experience with a medium-light actuation that still feels responsive yet effortless, the HMX Gravel switch is a solid choice. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a more consistent keystroke without the distraction of excess sound, making it suitable for focused work or extensive typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a charismatic sound and feel or a silky-smooth experience tailored for extended use.
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