Akko Botany vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role, and two standouts in the linear switch category are the Akko Botany and the Gateron Ink Red. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box. This characteristic makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red boasts a lower actuation force, making it ideal for users with a lighter typing style who appreciate a smooth, effortless keystroke experience. Moreover, the Ink Red is recognized for its delightful balance of smoothness and a subtle chirpy sound, further enhancing the typing experience. While both switches excel in their unique features, they cater to different typing preferences—whether you seek tactile feedback or a lighter, fluid action. 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 Red Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Gateron Ink Red switches provide distinct acoustic experiences due to their differing housing materials. The Botany switches are crafted using traditional nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon effectively absorbs sound and lends itself to a duller, rounder audio signature. The softer characteristics of nylon create a muted typing experience that emphasizes warmth and richness, making it particularly appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing.

In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switches utilize a proprietary INK blend for their housing, offering a completely different auditory experience. Both the top and bottom housings of the Ink Red contribute to a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile, often described as clacky. This sharpness can enhance the tactile sensation of each keystroke, giving typists immediate auditory feedback that is often associated with a more responsive feel. The INK blend material does not absorb sound in the same way as nylon; instead, it reflects and projects sound, leading to a vibrant and engaging typing experience.

While the materials are notably different, both the Akko Botany and Gateron Ink Red switches can lead to satisfying typing experiences, albeit through contrasting sound profiles. Consequently, the Botany's nylon develops a more muted sound during the typing process and resonates deeper upon bottoming out, whereas the Ink Red produces a more pronounced sound when a key is released. Hence, regardless of the materials used, users who appreciate varied auditory feedback can achieve satisfying results, though the nature of those results will vary significantly between the softer, rounder tones of the Botany and the sharp, clacky sounds of the Ink Red switches.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite notable. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that some typists may prefer for enhanced tactile feedback. This indicates that the Ink Red is inherently heavier than the Botany switch. For users seeking a more comfortable experience over long durations, the Akko Botany would likely be the better option, while those who enjoy a stronger resistance might gravitate towards the Gateron Ink Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Akko Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel and quicker key presses, the Botany's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. In contrast, the Ink Red offers a more traditional depth, which can provide a satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. Therefore, if you value faster response times, the Akko Botany is the better choice, while those who prefer a deeper travel experience might gravitate towards the Gateron Ink Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making it quite distinctive. This quality can make typing feel dynamic and engaging, potentially raising the enjoyment factor during use. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a more neutral sound profile with a slight chirpy quality, contributing to its charm. The typical sound generated by Ink Reds is versatile enough to suit a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office, while also appealing to users who prefer a less intrusive typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Botany switch's characteristics are not explicitly described, but it's reasonable to assume that its clacky sound may be accompanied by a tactile feedback that inspires a playful typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switches are known for their silky smoothness, mild typing feedback, and polished finish. This combination enhances overall typing comfort and minimizes resistance, allowing for a more effortless experience. For those who favor a lighter typing style, the Ink Red's mild nature makes it approachable for beginners while still being satisfying for more experienced typists.

In summary, while the Akko Botany switches offer a lively auditory experience that may engage users, the Gateron Ink Reds provide a smooth and comfortable typing feel complemented by a versatile sound profile. Both switches bring out unique qualities that cater to different preferences, though the Ink Reds excel in delivering a more polished and gentle typing sensation. If a user appreciates sound and feel differently, they may find satisfaction in either switch, but the smoothness of the Ink Red would likely make it a compelling choice for newcomers seeking an easy typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, your preference will depend on your typing style and sound preferences. If you lean towards a lighter typing style and appreciate a more responsive feel, the Botany switch—with its 45 grams of bottom-out force—will allow for easier key presses, making it a fantastic option for rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, its lively, clacky sound and fun acoustic character may enhance the overall enjoyment of your typing experience, particularly if you appreciate more pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, if you favor a more balanced and subdued approach with a greater bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Ink Red switch caters to a wide audience with its silky smoothness and polished feel. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both office and home environments, allowing for a productive yet unintrusive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value lightness and acoustic liveliness or a smooth, grounded feel with moderate sound.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more