Akko Botany vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Jupiter Red stand out as two excellent linear options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound, injecting a bit of auditory excitement into your typing sessions, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches provide a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, characterized by a medium-heavy actuation that appeals to users seeking a seamless and consistent typing experience. With their high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Reds cater to a more polished and refined feel. While the Botany switches lean towards a more dynamic auditory experience, the Jupiter Reds focus on delivering a silky and creamy typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 the Gateron Jupiter Red switches, one of the most significant differences lies in the top housing material. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer properties, which allow it to absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This stark contrast in materials leads to distinct auditory differences when typing, with the Botany providing a more subdued sound compared to the resonant tones of the Jupiter Red.
Interestingly, both the Akko Botany and the Gateron Jupiter Red share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This consistency means that regardless of the differing top materials, both switches will exhibit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out the key. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, which helps contribute to a rounded auditory experience for both switches during key presses. This results in a unique hybrid quality, as the overall typing experience is shaped by the interaction between the different top housing materials and the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom housings.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials illustrate how these switches can offer unique sound profiles while sharing similar bottom housing properties. The nylon bottom of both switches creates a foundation of sound and feel that unifies them, while the divergent top housing—nylon versus polycarbonate—brings a distinct personality to each switch. Depending on user preferences for sound and feel, individuals can choose between the deeper tones of the Botany or the sharper acoustics of the Jupiter Red, all while benefiting from the consistent performance offered by their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, which can facilitate extended typing sessions and provide a more effortless user experience. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Red's actuation force of 45 grams offers a medium resistance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. Additionally, the Botany's bottom out force is 45 grams, while the Jupiter Red has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches can be bottomed out for tactile feedback, the Botany switch is overall lighter, making it more appealing for users who favor extended use with less fatigue, whereas the Jupiter Red caters to those who desire a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, a distinct difference is evident. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Red features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jupiter Red offers a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Botany switch may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more traditional, hearty depth in keystrokes.
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 Red 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
The sound profile of the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp and lively clack that makes it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This sound can add a certain charm to the typing experience, making it more engaging and satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch boasts a more neutral sound, providing a moderate auditory experience that caters to a broad audience. The neutrality means that while it may not be as stimulating as the Botany's lively clack, it closely aligns with the typical expectations of a linear switch and can be used comfortably in various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Both switches may vary in sound based on the choice of board and keycaps, but the distinct characteristics of each provide a clear choice based on the user's auditory preferences.
When it comes to feel, the differences between the Botany and the Jupiter Red become more pronounced. The Botany linear switch is known for its lively actuation and overall typing experience, although specific details about its tactile characteristics are not provided. In comparison, the Jupiter Red switches shine with their polished, creamy, silky, and mild feel attributes. These traits make them exceptionally smooth and almost effortless to type on, thanks to reduced friction and a refined finish. The creamy and silky sensations offer a luxurious typing experience that can feel like gliding across keys, while the mild description indicates that the feel remains accessible and versatile for both beginners and experienced typists. Thus, while the Botany may provide a more dynamic touch, the Jupiter Red ensures a consistently smooth and gentle experience.
Overall, if you are considering both the Akko Botany and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches, your choice will likely depend on your personal priorities regarding sound and feel. The Botany offers an engaging auditory component, making it a delight for those who enjoy a crisp sound with their typing, while the Jupiter Red excels with its smooth, polished feel suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, if sound is a priority, the Botany may suit you best; if you prefer silky smoothness and a more neutral sound, the Jupiter Red would be the optimal choice. Both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences, giving newcomers a solid understanding of what they might want from their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a more clacky sound profile, the Akko Botany switches may be the way to go, as they provide a lively auditory feedback that adds character to your typing experience. This makes them particularly appealing for those who appreciate sound and touch in their typing. On the other hand, if you seek a more polished and creamy feel, accompanied by a medium-heavy actuation force, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches would likely suit you better. They deliver a smooth, seamless keystroke that enhances your typing consistency and minimizes resistance. Their neutral sound profile also makes them versatile for any environment, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, consider your priorities in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel when making your choice, as both switches excel in their respective areas and can significantly impact your overall typing satisfaction.
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