Akko Botany vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard, the switch you select can significantly impact your overall typing and gaming experience. The Akko Botany switch stands out with its crisp, lively clack that adds a vibrant auditory feedback as you type, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more spirited feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is celebrated for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, delivering a more refined and polished typing experience that many enthusiasts have come to adore. While both switches are linear, appealing to those who prefer a quieter operation without tactile bumps, their sounds and overall feel can cater to different preferences. The Botany brings a lighter and more playful tone, while the Ink Black V2 offers a deeper, bassy richness. 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

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany switches with those of the Gateron Ink Black V2, one notices a significant difference in the types of plastics used. The Akko Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer characteristics that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This makes for a typing experience that feels more rounded and less harsh, as nylon absorbs sound effectively, creating a dulled auditory experience upon keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 incorporates a proprietary INK blend for its housing, characterized by a harder plastic composition that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and clacky sound. The differences in material not only affect the auditory experience but also the overall feel of typing on these switches.

Examining the bottom housing reveals similar contrasts. The Botany’s nylon bottom housing continues the pattern of consistency with the softness and sound absorption of the top housing, resulting in a deeper bottom-out sound that complements its smoother typing feel. Conversely, the Ink Black V2's INK blend bottom housing introduces a crisper auditory feedback that enhances the initial impact upon keystrokes, contributing to the overall clacky experience. This dynamic represents a divergence where the Akko Botany tilts towards a cozy, muted feedback while the Gateron Ink Black V2 strives for a more immediate and lively response, thus appealing to different user preferences.

Additionally, both switches exhibit how the combination of their materials can influence the typing sound and feel differently. While both the Botany and Ink Black V2 employ different housing materials, they ultimately yield different results when it comes to auditory feedback. In essence, for users wanting to achieve a deeper sound while typing, the Botany switches provide a satisfying experience through their nylon construction, whereas those who lean toward a clacker sound would likely find the Ink Black V2 appealing. Understanding the balance created by the different materials allows users to select a switch that aligns with their auditory and tactile preferences, illustrating how the blend of housing materials plays a critical role in the overall keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we see a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 requires a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, users looking for a lighter feel should opt for the Botany switch, while those who prefer a heavier touch should choose the Ink Black V2. The differences in force characteristics clearly reflect the preferences of various users, where lighter switches can reduce fatigue over long usage periods, while heavier switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it becomes clear that there is a notable difference between the two. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Ink Black V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and longer. This disparity may appeal to different user preferences: those who favor the Akko Botany switch may appreciate its responsiveness and quicker actuation, ideal for gamers seeking fast response times. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel of the Ink Black V2 could provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Thus, while the two switches cater to different styles and preferences, knowing the travel distances can help users make an informed choice that aligns with their typing or gaming needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany switch produces a crisp and lively clacky tone that is immediately noticeable upon use, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile that can be characterized as deeper and richer compared to higher-pitched switches. This creates a mellow auditory experience, and it also features a chirpy aspect that adds a unique character to each keystroke. The overall sound experience varies greatly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Botany provides a more lively sound while the Ink Black V2 emphasizes depth and warmth.

In terms of feel, the Akko Botany is not specifically described, but one might expect it to align with its pronounced sound quality, potentially offering a more tactile or engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is characterized as having a mild feel, providing a gentler typing experience that appeals to a broader range of users. It is also described as polished, indicating a refined and smooth transition during key presses, which enhances comfort and reduces friction for the user. This balance of a smooth yet gentle touch in the Gateron Ink Black V2 helps create a versatile typing experience, suitable for both casual and serious typists.

In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch provides an engagingly crisp and lively sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2's low-pitched, warmer audio profile offers a contrasting experience that emphasizes depth. In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 shines with its mild and polished texture, while the Botany's subjective qualities in this area remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Botany likely appealing to those who enjoy a more distinctive auditory feedback and potentially a more vibrant tactile response, while the Ink Black V2 serves those looking for a smooth, gentle experience. Both options can be great depending on your specific typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and an engaging, lively sound profile, the Botany switches may be your best choice, as they are both easy to press at 45 grams and produce a crisp, clacky noise that can make typing feel more dynamic and enjoyable. These traits are particularly appealing if you enjoy a more playful typing experience or if you type for extended periods and prefer a switch that doesn’t require as much effort. Conversely, if you're looking for a more solid and substantial feel in each keystroke, the Ink Black V2 is an excellent option. Its heavier 70-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate, along with a smooth, polished action that ensures a consistently refined experience. The richer, low-pitched sound profile of the Ink Black V2 can add a depth to your typing that some users find comforting, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits—whether you lean towards a lively, lighter switch or a more substantial and refined experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more