Akko Botany vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the KTT Laurel offer distinct yet appealing experiences for users seeking linear options. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively sound, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic personality in their keystrokes while maintaining a smooth linear feel. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch stands out with its medium-light actuation force and thoughtful design, which includes a full POM housing and a long pole. This design translates to a sound profile that is subtly low-pitched and snappy, ensuring a responsive yet comfortable typing experience, making it a great choice for users prioritizing efficiency and prolonged use. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you lean towards a more pronounced auditory feedback or a softer, more refined experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and KTT Laurel keyboards utilize distinctly different materials for their switch housings, which contributes to their unique sound profiles. The Botany employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic material is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature and capacity for sound absorption. In contrast, the KTT Laurel features POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM, while also effective at creating a pleasing sound, provides a unique character that is muted yet still deep. The fundamental difference in materials suggests that, while both keyboards can offer a satisfying auditory experience, the exact qualities each material brings will shape the overall sound perception quite differently.
When considering the acoustic implications of each housing type, it becomes clear how the material impacts the experience of typing. The nylon in the Botany absorbs sound more effectively than the POM in the Laurel, leading to a softer and more rounded auditory feedback when keys are released. The KTT Laurel, by utilizing POM, achieves a sound that is unique yet muted, suggesting that each switch's properties may highlight subtle nuances that nylon's absorption could otherwise dampen. While both keyboards produce deep sound profiles due to their respective housing materials, the sensations and tones experienced during typing will vary significantly based on the inherent acoustic properties of nylon versus POM.
Despite their differences, it's worth noting that both the Akko Botany and KTT Laurel switches can deliver similar results in terms of achieving a rich sound experience. The varied characteristics of nylon and POM mean that each keyboard offers its own distinctive flavor to typing enjoyment. If users seek a well-rounded and softer sound, the Botany's nylon will excel in this regard, while those after a more unique and muted auditory experience may prefer the Laurel's POM. Ultimately, the split impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound profile ensures that users can experience an array of acoustic nuances, regardless of which keyboard they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for users looking for a comfortable typing experience. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a slightly lighter feel, while the Laurel switch requires a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Akko Botany is more effortless to press, which may benefit those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Conversely, the KTT Laurel's heavier forces might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, offering a tactile response that some find satisfying. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Botany's lower forces make it better suited for users seeking comfort over longer durations, whereas the Laurel caters to those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we find a slight difference: the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Laurel measures at 3.5 mm. Though both switches feature shorter travel distances, which are often favored by gamers for improved responsiveness, the Botany takes the edge as the longer option. If you prioritize quick reactions while gaming or typing, the Laurel would still provide a similar experience due to its close travel distance. However, if you prefer a slightly more pronounced feel during key presses, the Botany would be the better choice, delivering that little extra depth while still adhering to modern preferences for speed.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp and lively clacky sound, which creates a vibrant auditory experience perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile that emphasizes a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. This tonal difference between the two switches means that while the Botany provides a sharp and engaging sound, the Laurel delivers a quieter and more subdued audio experience, allowing for a more discreet typing environment. It's also important to note that other variables, such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, can affect how these sounds are perceived.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch remains somewhat ambiguous in its characteristics, but the KTT Laurel is celebrated for its snappy tactile response. The Laurel’s design incorporates a medium-light actuation force, combined with a long pole and short travel distance, which fosters a highly responsive typing experience. This snappiness contributes to a lively feel that many typists and gamers alike may appreciate during extended usage. While the specific feel of the Botany switch is unknown, the KTT Laurel’s responsiveness undoubtedly offers a satisfying sensation beneath the fingers.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear and KTT Laurel linear switches cater to different auditory preferences—with the Botany offering a lively clacky sound and the Laurel providing a low-pitched tone—they both present unique advantages depending on personal taste. The Laurel’s snappy feel, however, stands out and emphasizes its responsiveness in typing. As a newcomer, understanding these distinctions will help you enjoy a more tailored typing experience, allowing you to choose a switch that aligns with your sound and feel preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced sound, the Botany aligns with that desire; if a quieter, more responsive typing experience is what you're after, then the Laurel could be the better choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the specific experience you seek. If you enjoy a light and crisp feel with a lively, clacky sound profile, the Botany switch will likely appeal to you, especially if you're looking for a switch that's fun and engaging for both typing and gaming. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation combined with a more subdued, low-pitched sound, the KTT Laurel might be your better choice. With its snappy responsiveness and comfortable design, it excels in providing a balanced typing experience that maintains high comfort levels. Therefore, consider what aspects you value more: the light and lively nature of the Botany or the snappy and balanced response of the Laurel, and let that guide your decision.
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