Akko Botany vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, with the Akko Botany and Gateron Ink Box Black being two popular linear options that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their vibrant, clacky sound that adds a lively auditory element to each keystroke, making them an appealing choice for users who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches stand out for their incredibly smooth and creamy feel, offering a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which can be particularly satisfying for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience. While both switches provide the benefits typical of linear designs—such as a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps—your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you lean towards a more expressive or a subtler sound profile. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches, a notable distinction arises from the two switches' material compositions. The Akko Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is praised for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This causes the switch to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is described as being more subdued and mellow. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, delivering a pointed and high-pitched sound. This material choice is explicitly designed to create a clacky typing sound that is sharp yet not overly piercing, offering a significantly different auditory experience compared to the Botany.
Moreover, the impact of housing materials on the tactile and acoustic qualities of each switch is crucial to understanding their functionality. With the Botany's nylon housings, the softer plastic diminishes harsh sounds and provides a plush feel under the fingers, making it suitable for users who prefer a muted auditory response while typing. The Akko’s deep sound profile permeates through both the bottom-out feel and the release sound, harmonizing the acoustic experience. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black's dual INK blend composition leads to a separate interaction between the top and bottom sounds. While the bottom housing influences the feel during bottom-out, the high-pitched profile of the top housing enhances the sound upon key release, creating a more pronounced acoustic differentiation during usage.
Ultimately, while the Botany and Ink Box Black switches use distinctly different housing materials, both can achieve satisfying results due to their careful engineering and design principles. Users of the Akko Botany may appreciate the mellow acoustics derived from the full nylon housing, while Gateron Ink Box Black enthusiasts will likely revel in the bright clack produced by the INK blend. Those accustomed to one type of sound and feel may find either switch appealing, albeit for different reasons, highlighting that both approaches to housing materials can yield enjoyable typing experiences tailored to individual preferences. Thus, whether one favors the subdued resonance of nylon or the sharp clarity of an INK blend, similar satisfaction can be found in the unique character and quality of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Botany switch features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who desire a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push and tactile feedback when typing. This distinction indicates that the Botany switch will offer a more effortless typing experience, while the Ink Box Black will provide a firmer resistance, making it better suited for users who appreciate a stronger tactile experience. Thus, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, whereas the Gateron Ink Box Black is the heavier one.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This identical measurement indicates that users will experience a similar amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. As a result, both switches are likely to deliver comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness, appealing to those who prefer a consistent feel in their typing or gaming experience. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect similar performance and satisfaction regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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
The Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp and lively clacky sound, which gives it a distinctive auditory signature that many typists may find engaging. This sharp, bright sound creates a stimulating atmosphere that is sure to make typing an enjoyable experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Its sound can be characterized as smooth and creamy, providing a softer auditory feedback that contrasts with the more pronounced acoustics of the Botany. Depending on the keyboard's construction and chosen keycaps, users may notice variances in how these sounds resonate during use.
When it comes to feel, the Botany linear switch excels at delivering a distinct typing experience, although specific sensations weren't elaborated upon. However, the Gateron Ink Box Black stands out for its exceptionally smooth and silky touch, enhancing the typing experience by minimizing resistance during key presses. The polished finish of the Ink Box Black ensures reduced friction, allowing for a seamless key travel that many users appreciate. Overall, the feel of these switches may vary due to their unique designs, but the Botany is likely to provide a different tactile feedback compared to the luxurious smoothness of the Ink Box Black.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they each offer their own merits. The Botany’s lively clackiness is perfect for users who enjoy an engaging sound during typing, while the Ink Box Black’s silky smoothness caters to those who prioritize a refined and effortless feel. The choice ultimately hinges on personal preference, highlighting the importance of trying both switches to determine which aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in both sound and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy an engaging auditory feedback, the Botany switch might be the better choice for you. Its lively clacky sound and crisp feel can make typing more enjoyable, especially if you appreciate feedback when you press a key. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch and favor a smooth, polished typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black will likely suit your needs. Its medium-heavy actuation force and creamy feel ensure a robust typing experience that can be especially satisfying for long typing sessions. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so consider your own priorities—be it sound, feel, or overall typing fatigue—when making your selection.
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