Akko Botany vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Botany switches are characterized by their lively clacky sound, providing auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable and engaging—a feature that suits those who appreciate a more expressive typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura aims for silence and discretion, making it ideal for individuals in shared workspaces or for those who prefer a stealthier setup. With an ultra-light feel, the Sakura switch caters to users who prioritize comfort and may engage in long typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. While each switch has its own merits, from the vibrant sound of the Botany to the soothing silence of the Light Sakura, understanding their nuanced features is essential to making the right 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

Akko Botany Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Bsun Light Sakura switches, it becomes evident that they utilize different plastics, which results in distinctly varied acoustic profiles. The Botany employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound signature. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound, leading to a duller yet more rounded auditory experience when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the Light Sakura opts for polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate a more tactile and precise auditory feedback.

The aesthetic implications of the housing materials further set the two models apart. The Akko Botany, with its nylon construction, offers a more understated appearance, while the Light Sakura, being made from transparent polycarbonate, provides a visually striking design, especially when integrated with RGB lighting. The translucency of the Light Sakura's polycarbonate top housing not only allows for vibrant lighting effects but also emphasizes the switch's performance by clearly showcasing its internal mechanics. While both switches exhibit their unique visual appeal, the function remains closely tied to the material used, with polycarbonate enhancing the RGB experience and nylon delivering a more muted aesthetic.

In terms of tactile feedback, the contrasting housing materials dictate how the switches feel during use. The Botany’s nylon construction results in a softer, cushioned bottom-out experience, complementing its plush sound profile as you press and release the keys. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate structure provides a firmer and more pronounced bottom-out feel, favoring a clear transition between key presses. Ultimately, while both switch designs offer pleasurable typing experiences, their different housing materials lead to unique sound and tactile outcomes. Thus, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference—whether one favors the warmth of nylon or the brightness of polycarbonate will dictate the satisfaction derived from each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them appealing options for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. The Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Light Sakura boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and an even lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura is marginally easier to press and bottoms out at a lower force than the Botany, giving it a softer feel overall. For those who prefer lighter switches for gaming or prolonged typing, the Light Sakura would be the better choice; however, users seeking a bit more resistance might find the Botany's slightly higher forces more satisfying. Both switches provide a similar performance experience, but with slight differences in the weight preference spectrum.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their travel distances identical. This similarity in travel length means that users can expect a comparable key feel and actuation experience when using either switch. Therefore, those who enjoy the performance characteristics of one switch can anticipate similar results when using the other, as both achieve the same travel distance from top to bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch offers a crisp, lively clacky sound that can engage and energize the typing experience. This distinctive auditory feedback can enhance the tactile joy of typing for users who appreciate pronounced auditory cues with each keystroke, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more dynamic sound profile. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed with silence in mind, prioritizing a discreet operation that allows for an undisturbed environment. Its quiet nature makes it well-suited for shared spaces or office settings, where minimizing noise is essential. The sound profile of both switches is heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard, including the material and design of the keycaps, which can further alter their acoustic qualities.

When it comes to feel, the Botany linear switch is celebrated for its engaging tactile response, giving users a pleasant and lively typing experience. This switch invites users to type with enthusiasm, enhancing their overall interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Light Sakura linear switch is designed for ultra-light operation, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged use. Its gentle feel encourages an effortless typing experience, reducing fatigue during long hours at the keyboard. This softness contributes to a typing sensation that is smooth and responsive, appealing to those who seek a more relaxed typing rhythm.

In conclusion, the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Botany switch brings a lively auditory element to typing, while the Light Sakura emphasizes discretion and comfort. Choosing between these switches depends on the user’s environment and personal typing preferences, as both can provide enjoyable experiences, albeit with contrasting sensory profiles. Ultimately, those who prioritize sound might lean towards the Botany, whereas users seeking a quieter and more effortless experience would find the Light Sakura more suitable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and typing environment. If you appreciate a lively and slightly audible typing experience, the Botany with its distinctive clacky sound might suit you best, especially if you're looking for a more engaging feel when typing. Its 45-gram actuation force provides a light but tactile response, ideal for those who enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience for long hours of use, particularly in shared spaces or office environments, the ultra-light 43-gram actuation force of the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its silent operation and comfortable feel cater to those who want to avoid distractions and fatigue during extended typing sessions. In essence, your decision should align with whether you desire an expressive auditory experience or a discreet, comfortable typing journey.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more