Akko Botany vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches is crucial, and two popular options in the linear category stand out: the Akko Botany and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are known for their smooth operation and lighter typing feel, offering a silky and polished experience with a higher-pitched clack that appeals to those who prefer a more refined touch. While both switches are linear and designed for a seamless typing experience, their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback make them suitable for different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Pink switches, a notable contrast emerges between their composition and the resultant sound profiles. The Akko Botany features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. The use of nylon, being a softer plastic, facilitates sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This quality makes the Botany switches particularly appealing to users who prioritize a smooth and muted typing experience, as the characteristics of nylon contribute to a robust bottom-out feel and a pleasing release sound.
In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink employs a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which is designed to produce a much sharper and higher-pitched sound. This sound profile is distinctly different from that of the Akko Botany, as the INK blend achieves a clacky sound that many typists enjoy for its satisfying auditory feedback. While both switches have high-quality materials, the INK blend's formulation delivers a pointed sound that contrasts with the rounded tones of nylon, indicating a significant difference in user experience. This means that while the Botany appeals to those looking for richness and depth, the Ink Box Pink caters to those who appreciate brightness and clear tonal distinctions.
Despite the differences in sound profiles dictated by their housing materials, both switches can offer satisfying results based on the distinct qualities of their configurations. The softer nylon construction in the Botany allows for a more subdued auditory response, while the high-pitched clackiness of the Ink Box Pink stands out prominently in a typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to user preference regarding sound and typing feedback, as users can achieve a satisfying experience either way—through the deep, rich tones of nylon or the higher-pitched notes of the Gateron INK blend. Each housing material provides a unique auditory profile that caters to different typing and gaming styles, showcasing the diversity available in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a comfortable typing experience, especially during long sessions. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Consequently, the Botany switch is ideal for users who favor a lighter touch, while the Ink Box Pink caters to individuals seeking a firmer resistance. Overall, if one prioritizes a more effortless keystroke, the Akko Botany switch would be the preferable option, whereas the Gateron Ink Box Pink would be recommended for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch both share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience the same amount of distance from the top of the key to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and response time. As a result, both switches will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key actuation, making them equally suitable for users who prefer linear switches with this specific travel distance.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a notably crisp and lively clacky sound, making it particularly well-suited for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience while typing. This distinctive sound profile can enhance the overall satisfaction of use, providing a sharp and percussive note with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its higher-pitched clacks, contributing to a crisp and bright auditory feel. If you prefer a sharper sound with a lively character, both switches deliver engaging auditory feedback, though the Ink Box Pink has a slightly more elevated pitch, making it a great alternative if one is looking for a more refined clack without sacrificing the lively feel.
When it comes to the tactile experience, the Akko Botany switch does not have specific descriptors provided, leaving its tactile qualities somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its silky and polished feel, offering an extraordinarily smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The refined finish of the Ink Box Pink contributes to a sleek and satisfying typing experience with reduced friction, which may allow for quicker and more precise inputs. If the Botany switch matches or aligns with the smoothness and quality of feel offered by the Ink Box Pink, users can expect to experience similarly enjoyable typing, albeit more details on the Botany would enhance this comparison.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches each present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Botany offers a lively and engaging acoustic profile, while the Ink Box Pink excels in providing a smooth, polished tactile experience. For those who prioritize auditory feedback, either switch can deliver an enjoyable sound; however, the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly different tonal quality. The typing experience may lean heavily on personal preferences, especially since the feel of the Botany is less defined. Therefore, if you're seeking clarity regarding tactile qualities, you may need to explore further or try both options to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, your choice should be guided by your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter typing force and enjoy a more vibrant, clacky sound profile, the Botany switch may be the better option for you. Its 45g actuation force allows for quick and effortless typing, making it a great choice for those who type rapidly or require a switch that alleviates finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smoother and more refined experience with a medium actuation force of 60g, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is likely to be more to your liking. This switch provides a silky feel and polished finish, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall comfort during extended use. Additionally, the higher-pitched clack of the Ink Box Pink can cater to those who prefer a brighter auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your specific style of typing, the sound you enjoy, and the level of physical feedback you prefer will guide you in making the right choice between these two distinct yet appealing linear switches.
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