Akko Botany vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Jupiter Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Akko Botany switches, known for their delightful clacky sound, deliver a lively linear response straight out of the box, making them an ideal choice for gamers seeking speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are tactile, providing a satisfying bump with each press, which appeals to typists who enjoy a traditional keystroke feel. Their medium-heavy weight and classic design, combined with high-precision molds and stunning backlight effects, make them an excellent choice for users who value both performance and aesthetics. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the crisp sound and smooth action of the Botany or the comforting feedback of the Jupiter Brown, understanding the nuances of each switch will help you make an informed choice. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches, there are notable differences in their top housing components. The Botany uses a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic construction contributes to a mellow auditory experience that can be pleasing for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Thus, the contrasting sound characteristics between nylon and polycarbonate can significantly influence the user experience, depending on individual preferences.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the situation becomes more consistent. Both the Akko Botany and Gateron Jupiter Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice in material means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom end of these switches, with a sound absorption quality that creates a more rounded acoustic response. The fact that both switches share the same nylon bottom housing allows for a level of uniformity in the typing experience, contributing to a comfortable and familiar feel when bottoming out. Regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the bottom housing maintains a consistency that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Akko Botany and Gateron Jupiter Brown creates distinct auditory experiences while sharing a common bottom housing that utilizes nylon. The Akko Botany's nylon top contributes to its deeper sound profile, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top facilitates a crisper sound. The nylon bottom in both switches ensures that they exhibit similar tonal qualities upon bottoming out, despite other discrepancies. Therefore, while the top housings lead to varied sound experiences, the shared nylon bottom enables a comparable feel and sound characteristic that users can appreciate in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, promoting prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may find satisfying for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended use should lean towards the Botany, while those who enjoy a more forceful touch should opt for the Jupiter Brown. In essence, the Botany is the lighter option, whereas the Jupiter Brown is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Botany switch offers a shorter distance for keypresses compared to the Jupiter Brown. For users who favor a more responsive typing experience, the Botany's 3.6 mm travel may be preferable, as shorter distances can lead to quicker response times, which is advantageous for gaming. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial pressure feedback when pressing keys, providing a sense of depth and satisfaction with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding the feel of key travel.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 stands out with a crisp, lively clacky sound that makes a strong impression right out of the box. This engaging acoustic signature adds an element of personality to typing experiences, making it a favorite for those who enjoy an audible feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown features a more subdued sound profile typical of tactile switches. While these do not share the same level of auditory exuberance as the Botany, they still provide a satisfying click-like sound due to their tactile nature, striking a balance between auditory feedback and a quieter operation. Keep in mind that the ultimate sound experience varies greatly based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which acts as an equalizer in overall acoustic performance.
When assessing feel, the Botany switch offers a smooth and consistent experience favored by users looking for a linear actuation without any tactile bump. It provides unobstructed key travel, making typing feel fluid and effortless. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown excels with its medium-heavy weight and stepped tactile feedback, which ensures a more traditional typing feel. Users will appreciate the mild tactile response that gives a gentle pushback, avoiding any jarring sensations. The polished nature of these switches enhances this experience, resulting in reduced friction and a refined keypress. Therefore, while both switches deliver unique tactile sensations, they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback—fluidity with the Botany and a moderate tactile response with the Jupiter Brown.
In conclusion, the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch present contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Botany is ideal for those who appreciate a loud, clacky sound paired with a smooth linear feel, while the Jupiter Brown provides a more subdued auditory response combined with a polished yet mild tactile experience. For newcomers, the choice between these switches will ultimately come down to preference—whether one prioritizes a lively acoustic presence or a gentle, approachable tactile sensation. In both cases, the right combination of keyboard and keycap selection can further tailor the experience, ensuring satisfaction regardless of the choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a lighter feel and enjoy the lively, clacky sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Akko Botany switches would be an excellent choice. They are particularly well-suited for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where responsiveness is crucial, and their acoustic profile can enhance the enjoyment of your setup. On the other hand, if you value a more traditional typing experience with a smoother and more refined feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches provide a medium-heavy weight that can help reduce typing fatigue for extended use. Their mild, stepped tactile feedback delivers a polished typing experience that is both satisfying and approachable, making them ideal for office work or long writing sessions. Ultimately, the decision should reflect whether you prioritize sound and responsiveness or smoothness and tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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