Akko Botany vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Ink Yellow present two intriguing options, both categorized as linear switches yet offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound, providing an auditory feedback that appeals to users seeking a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized by its shorter travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a typing feel that bridges the gap between a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical keyboard. This switch is praised for its smoothness and pleasant clackiness, adding to its allure. While both switches deliver a linear feel, their unique sound profiles and tactile feedback may influence your choice depending on your typing style and 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches, we can see a distinct contrast in the sound profiles and the material formulations of both models. The Botany utilizes a classic nylon material for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer characteristics help absorb sound, resulting in a typing experience that is rounder and more subdued. This quality makes the Botany a preferred choice for users seeking a quieter and more plush feel while typing, as the softness of the nylon dampens higher-pitched frequencies effectively.
In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is notably high-pitched and clacky. This sharpness is characteristic of the materials in the Ink Yellow, providing a distinct auditory feedback that can appeal to users who enjoy the sound of their typing. The INK blend, being a harder composition compared to nylon, creates a sound resonance that emphasizes higher frequencies, making the typing experience feel more lively and energizing. This difference in material composition plays a crucial role in shaping the overall character of each switch, leading to varying user experiences based on personal preferences.
Despite the differences in housing materials, there are specific conditions under which similar sound profiles can emerge. If hybridization were introduced, mixing housing elements from both types while balancing the proportion of nylon and the INK blend could potentially yield a switch that borrows strengths from both. For instance, using a nylon bottom housing in conjunction with an INK blend top could maintain some of the softer, fuller qualities while also introducing a hint of the clacky upper tones typical of the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, for users looking to achieve a unique typing experience, experimenting with combinations of these materials may lead to satisfying hybrid results, merging the best aspects of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. This means that for users seeking a keyboard that allows for prolonged use with less fatigue, the Akko Botany would be the ideal choice. Conversely, for those who favor a firmer feedback and a more defined keystroke, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the better option. Overall, the Botany switch is lighter while the Ink Yellow is medium-heavy.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm results in the Botany providing a marginally deeper keystroke compared to the Ink Yellow. Gamers, who often favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, might prefer the Ink Yellow for its slightly more rapid actuation. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial feeling with a deeper keypress, the Botany’s longer travel distance could be more appealing. In summary, the Botany is the longer option at 3.6 mm, whereas the Ink Yellow is shorter at 3.5 mm, allowing users to choose based on their preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany switch stands out with its crisp, lively clackiness. This vibrant audio feedback creates an engaging typing experience, which can be particularly gratifying for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral and mild sound profile, characterized by its clackiness that remains perceptible without being overwhelming. The Ink Yellow produces a moderate sound that fits comfortably into both home and work environments, appealing to various users. While the Botany’s sharp sound might attract those who favor a more dynamic acoustic atmosphere, the Ink Yellow is suited for those desiring a balanced and versatile auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switch is not explicitly described in the provided information, leaving some ambiguity about its tactile characteristics. However, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is noted for its mild and polished feel. This translates to a gentle typing experience that avoids the harshness some other switches may impart, appealing to those seeking a more comfortable and refined action. The polished nature of the Ink Yellow ensures smooth key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the tactile experience. As a result, while the Botany's feel remains somewhat uncertain, the Ink Yellow offers a clear advantage with its smooth and approachable handling.
In conclusion, the Akko Botany switch and Gateron Ink Yellow switch each provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Botany excels in producing an engaging and lively sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Ink Yellow offers versatility with its neutral clackiness and a comfortable, polished feel, making it suitable for a wide range of typing environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual priorities, whether it’s the crispness of the Botany's sound or the balanced experience found in the Ink Yellow. Both options offer compelling qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that emphasizes a crisp sound profile, the Botany switch with its 45-gram bottom-out force is an excellent choice. It's perfect for those who enjoy a lively, clacky feedback while typing, making it ideal for casual use and gaming where the sound and tactile sensation can enhance the experience. However, if you lean towards a more robust typing feel, the Ink Yellow's 67-gram bottom-out force provides a medium-heavy resistance that may be more satisfying for longer typing sessions or when you want a bit more heft in your keystrokes. The Ink Yellow's smoothness and polished feel, coupled with its neutral sound profile, make it versatile enough for both work and leisure, offering a more subdued clack that can keep distractions at bay. Ultimately, you should consider what feels right for your typing style and environment.
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