Akko Botany vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and KTT Lightning switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound, which can enhance the auditory experience of typing, making every keystroke feel engaging. Conversely, the KTT Lightning switches are designed for speed, providing a smooth typing feel that is crucial for gamers and fast typists where every millisecond counts. While both switches belong to the linear category, they present unique auditory sensations; the Botany offers a vibrant clackiness, while the Lightning strikes a balance between speed and a polished, subtle sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound profile and typing enjoyment or speed and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the KTT Lightning switches, a pronounced distinction arises between their top housings. The Botany utilizes nylon for its top housing, which produces a sound profile characterized by deeper and fuller tones. This acoustic quality stems from nylon's softer nature, which helps absorb sound better than stiffer materials, resulting in a sound that feels muted and rounded. Conversely, the KTT Lightning employs polycarbonate for its top housing, yielding a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This hardness allows for clearer sound resonance, which is particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is utilized, as polycarbonate is more translucent and showcases lighting effects more vividly.
In contrast, both the Akko Botany and KTT Lightning feature nylon for their bottom housings, providing a common foundation for sound and feel characteristics in this aspect. As both switches are constructed with nylon in their lower sections, the acoustic properties remain consistent: they deliver deeper and rounder tones, contributing to an overall softer typing feel. This shared material choice ensures that regardless of the differences found in the top housing, the impact of the bottom housing will be significant during key presses. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience from both models, as they rely on nylon to provide that familiar depth and warmth in sound.
Overall, the mixed housing materials between the Akko Botany and KTT Lightning create an interesting dichotomy in sound output. While the bottom housings both rely on nylon, combining with their unique top housing materials to influence the typing sound, the contrasting top materials will distinctly shape the key release sound. Users can anticipate that the nylon bottom housing will ground both switches in a common deep sound profile, even as the top housings introduce contrast—revitalizing the user experience through varying acoustic signatures. Ultimately, this allows for an explorative typing experience where both switches will resonate differently, yet harmoniously, based on their specific material combinations.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the Lightning switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as the heavier choice. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Botany switch, while those seeking a more pronounced resistance will find the KTT Lightning more suitable. Although both switches are labeled as light, the Akko Botany offers less resistance, which can lead to a different typing experience overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Botany switch has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning switch measures 3 mm. This distinction means that the Botany switch provides a slightly more pronounced feel as it travels deeper with each keystroke, which may appeal to users who appreciate that extra depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switch, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that may be preferred by gamers seeking quick reaction times. Consequently, if you prioritize a rapid response, the KTT Lightning is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Akko Botany would suit those who enjoy a more substantial pressing experience.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 switch is characterized by a crisp, lively, and clacky sound profile, making it a great option for those who enjoy an auditory feedback that is sharp and snappy. This lively characteristic contributes to an engaging typing experience, particularly suited for those who appreciate the pleasure of each keystroke resonating with a bright and percussive quality. Comparatively, the KTT Lightning switch also features a clacky sound that is high-pitched, sharp, and adds a touch of chirpiness to its tonal signature. This makes the Lightning highly approachable for users who favor a snappy auditory experience that enhances the overall interaction with the keyboard. Both switches will provide a lively auditory feedback but differ slightly in their specific tonal qualities depending on the other components of your setup.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch's specifics are less defined, leaving an element of the tactile experience to be explored by users. However, the KTT Lightning switch offers a unique combination of subtle resistance and a polished finish. The subtlety lends itself to a gentle typing experience that ensures a light touch is sufficient, making it good for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Additionally, the polished sensation results in smooth key travel due to reduced friction, which geometry and factory treatments finely tune. Thus, while the Botany switch invites curiosity, the Lightning switch provides a refined tactile experience that is beneficial for speed and comfort.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany and KTT Lightning switches both present engaging sound profiles, with the former leaning towards a more lively clack and the latter incorporating high-pitched and chirpy elements, they embody different qualities in terms of feel. The Lightning's subtle and polished tactile experience provides distinct advantages for fast typing, while the Botany's feel remains less characterized. Overall, choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, but those favoring a lively audio experience might find happiness in either, given their shared clacky nature.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, your choice should primarily hinge on your specific typing or gaming needs. If you prefer a lighter feel with a force of 45 grams and are drawn to a lively, clacky sound that invigorates your typing experience, the Botany switch could be your best bet. They're excellent for both casual typing and for creating an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance your overall user experience. On the other hand, if you find yourself prioritizing speed and performance, particularly in competitive gaming where every millisecond matters, the KTT Lightning switches with their slightly firmer 50 grams of force could be ideal. Their polished and subtle feel provides a smooth typing experience, whilst maintaining a pleasant clacky sound for those who enjoy auditory feedback but need a touch of finesse. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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