Akko Botany vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Durock Ice King Linear represent two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Botany switches are famed for their crisp and lively clacky sound, offering an engaging auditory experience that many typists and gamers appreciate right out of the box. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switches stand out for their exceptionally smooth typing experience, attributed to their full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, giving them a silky and frictionless feel that can enhance prolonged typing sessions. While the Botany may appeal to those who value both sound and performance, the Ice King is ideal for users seeking a more subdued auditory profile without sacrificing responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Durock Ice King Linear are both constructed from the same classic material: nylon. This shared characteristic plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience for both switches. The nylon top and bottom housings for both switches absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This similarity in materials not only creates a duller and rounder auditory experience, but also ensures that users can expect a comparable tactile feedback and acoustic signature when utilizing either switch in their keyboard setups.
Despite the identical use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Akko Botany and the Durock Ice King Linear, the overall performance may still exhibit nuanced differences depending on the design and tuning of each switch. While the properties of nylon lend themselves to a pleasing sound profile, the mechanical design and dimensions of the switches also play crucial roles in determining the final typing experience. As such, even minor variations in factors such as spring strength, actuation point, and other internal mechanics can influence how the keyboards feel and sound during use, potentially leading to a distinct variance in user preference.
Ultimately, since both the Akko Botany and Durock Ice King Linear utilize identical nylon materials for their housings, users can expect to enjoy relatively similar results in terms of sound quality and tactile execution. However, the nuanced design elements of each switch could lead to different perceptions in the typing experience. Therefore, keyboard enthusiasts looking to explore these switches may find it beneficial to test both options firsthand, as the finer details of each switch's construction – despite the shared nylon housing – may cater to diverse user preferences and stylistic choices in the realm of typing comfort.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming due to its low resistance. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer key feel. As a result, users who favor lighter switches for comfort over longer periods may gravitate toward the Botany, while those wanting a more robust tactile experience may prefer the Ice King. Overall, these distinct specifications suggest that the Botany is the lighter option, ideal for extended use, while the Ice King is heavier and may be better for those seeking a more pronounced response from their keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Ice King linear switch, we find that the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. As such, users looking for a more responsive feel may prefer the Ice King due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses, a quality favored by gamers. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses might lean towards the Botany switch, as its longer travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Botany is characterized by its deeper travel, making it the longer option, while the Ice King, being shorter, may appeal to those seeking rapid response times.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 switch offers a crisp and lively clacky noise that can really enhance the tactile pleasure of typing, making it quite engaging for users who enjoy auditory feedback. This lively sound can be quite satisfying, especially in an environment where such feedback is appreciated. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized by a more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened effect when pressed. While it is not entirely silent, it leans towards a more subtle acoustic experience compared to the Botany. This difference in sound signatures means that users looking for a vibrant auditory experience might prefer the Botany, while those seeking a quieter and less intrusive typing environment may gravitate towards the Ice King.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Akko Botany has a quality that remains unspecified, leaving room for individual user experiences to shape opinions. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switches are lauded for their exceptionally smooth typing experience. They are described as silky, offering a frictionless action that reduces any resistance during key presses. Additionally, the creamy and polished nature of these switches contributes to a buttery, gliding feel, making prolonged typing sessions incredibly enjoyable. The careful factory lubing further enhances this sensation, ensuring that users experience a fluid travel with every keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany switch delivers a lively and engaging sound experience, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a quieter, subdued sound that caters to those favoring a more discreet typing environment. Feel-wise, the Ice King excels with its rich, smooth characteristics thanks to advanced materials and lubing, whereas information about the feel of the Botany is less defined. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences related to sound and tactile feedback in typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and lively switch with a crisp sound, the Akko Botany is the way to go. Its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it an excellent choice for rapid typing or gaming, allowing for faster keystrokes with less effort. This switch's delightful clacky signature can add an enjoyable auditory layer to your typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of character in their keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust tactile experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Durock Ice King Linear could be your best bet. Known for its silky smooth, frictionless feel, this switch excels in providing a refined and creamy typing experience, greatly enhanced by its factory lubrication. It is perfect for users who favor a subtler sound, as its subdued tone allows for a quieter environment while typing. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Akko Botany for its playful sound and lighter touch or the Durock Ice King for its smoothness and weight, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences, ensuring that your choice contributes positively to your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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