Akko Botany vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can significantly influence both your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Akko Botany, renowned for its crisp and lively clacky sound straight out of the box, appeals to those who cherish auditory feedback while typing. Its engaging acoustic profile may attract enthusiasts who enjoy the essence of a mechanical keyboard, making every keystroke feel satisfying. Conversely, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a slightly different experience; while it also produces a pronounced clacky sound, it's designed for effortless actuation and buttery smooth travel, making it an excellent option for users seeking swift, fatigue-free typing sessions. The Iron's characteristics cater to both casual typists and dedicated enthusiasts, delivering precision without sacrificing enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the TTC Iron exhibit notable differences in composition, which in turn affects their acoustic performance. The Botany employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively softer nature. This absorption contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the TTC Iron features a polyoxymethylene (POM) material for both its top and bottom housings, known for creating a unique and pleasing sound. While the POM also offers a deeper sound profile, it is comparatively more muted, which can tend to produce a sharper and cleaner sound compared to the Botany's softer profile.
Despite the contrasting materials used, the underlying mechanics of how they influence the typing experience remain consistent. As the Botany's nylon housing absorbs sound, it contributes to a more enveloped acoustic feel, leading to an overall experience that emphasizes a softer bottom-out sound. Conversely, the TTC Iron's POM housing, while still providing a muted sound, yields a different tonal clarity which can affect how a keypress is both perceived and executed. Both switches, while coming from different material backgrounds, yet possess a depth of sound that enriches the overall typing experience, albeit in different auditory textures.
Moreover, when a user interacts with these switches, the distinct impact of their housing materials creates a unique separation in the experience. With the Botany, the nylon properties may lead to a more consistent and rounded typing experience, largely influenced by the bottom housing's sound and feel. Meanwhile, the TTC Iron, by employing POM, maintains a particular cleanness that sharpens the distinction between the top and bottom-out sounds. Thus, while their compositions vary, both switches can ultimately deliver satisfying auditory feedback tailored to their respective material strengths, ensuring enjoyment for users regardless of their preference for nylon or POM.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, both exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, though they are relatively close in weight. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Iron switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are light overall, the Akko Botany offers a more effortless keystroke feel, which may be appealing for those looking for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. The TTC Iron, being slightly heavier, may cater to users who prefer a firmer push sensation, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the balance between lighter and heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Botany switch having a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Iron switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Botany switch may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker response times, providing a more immediate feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Iron switch, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, caters more to users who appreciate a more substantial depth for a satisfying keystroke. Therefore, if you lean towards valuing responsiveness, the Akko Botany switch would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper feel might prefer the TTC Iron switch.
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 TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch are designed to deliver an enjoyable auditory experience, though they have different sound profiles. The Botany switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, providing a vibrant auditory feedback that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the Iron switch is notable for its pronounced clacky sound signature, characterized as sharp and percussive, which resonates with each keystroke. While both switches share a lively clacky quality, the specifics of their sound can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap material used, which may influence their performances and overall sound characteristics.
When considering the feel of these switches, the TTC Iron linear is designed for easy actuation with minimal resistance, creating a typing experience that is both effortless and comfortable. Its butter-smooth travel allows users to type quickly and efficiently, significantly reducing finger fatigue during prolonged sessions. The Iron’s feel is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is neither too pronounced nor too soft, making it accessible to a wide audience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Botany switch hasn't been specified, leaving a gap in direct comparative analysis. However, if the Botany’s feel were similar to the Iron, users could expect a smooth and approachable typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko Botany linear and TTC Iron linear switches cater to enthusiasts and casual users alike, each bringing distinct sound and feel qualities to the table. The Botany offers a crisp, lively clack, while the Iron shines with its pronounced clack and easy-to-press feel, promoting fatigue-free typing. If you seek a lively auditory feedback combined with effortless typing, either switch could suit your needs depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and intended use. If you favor an exceptionally lively and clacky auditory experience along with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which can facilitate quicker typing and reduce finger fatigue during long sessions, then the Botany switch is likely the right fit for you. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and sound that enhances their typing experience, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and productive tasks at home or at work. On the other hand, if you seek a slightly heftier actuation force of 50 grams combined with a smooth and buttery travel experience, the TTC Iron may be the better option. Its pronounced clacky sound signature also offers an aural satisfaction that many enthusiasts cherish, while still remaining comfortable for day-to-day typing without causing strain. Therefore, whether you lean towards the lively charm of the Botany or the refined precision of the Iron, both switches provide engaging experiences that cater to different preferences in feel and sound. The best choice ultimately aligns with your typing habits and the environments in which you’ll be using these switches.
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