Akko Botany vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and HMX Lotus both stand out as appealing linear options tailored for different user preferences. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, immediately delivering an engaging auditory experience. This can enhance your typing or gaming sessions, making every keystroke resonate with character. In contrast, the HMX Lotus offers a unique combination of a medium weight of 50g and a bright, resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feel that adds a delightful touch to each keypress. While the Botany might be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, the Lotus caters to users who favor a springy and responsive keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and HMX Lotus keyboards feature nylon as their primary housing material for both the top and bottom components. This commonality in material choice contributes significantly to the overall acoustic profile of the switches used in both keyboards. With nylon being a softer plastic, it provides a unique characteristic that leads to typists experiencing a richer and fuller sound when typing. The sound absorption properties of the nylon housings dampen higher frequencies, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience, which users of both the Botany and Lotus will appreciate during their typing sessions.
Despite the fact that both keyboards utilize the same nylon housing material, the effect of these housings on the switches is nuanced by their configuration. Having both the top and bottom housings made from nylon means that the sound signature remains consistent across key presses and releases. However, should one of the keyboards have different materials employed in either the top or bottom housing, the sound qualities of the switch could be split, producing varying tactile feedback. In the case of the Botany and Lotus, their dual nylon housings harmoniously amplify their shared acoustic identity, allowing for a synergistic sound profile that embodies the soft character of nylon.
Furthermore, the tactile experience when bottoming out on these switches remains distinctly influenced by the nylon bottom housing's properties. Because both keyboards use nylon in their bottom housings, typists can expect a satisfying experience during both the actuation and bottom-out phases of typing. The cohesive performance is reflected not only in the auditory output but also in the tactile feedback, which reinforces the resemblance between these two models. Therefore, users can anticipate similar results in terms of sound and feel, making either choice appealing for those who appreciate the smooth typing experience that nylon housings provide.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both fall into the light switch category, but they exhibit differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch requires an actuation force of 38 grams and bottoms out at 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Lotus switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches are generally light, the Botany offers a softer touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Lotus's heavier forces might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, selecting between these two will depend on whether the user favors a lighter touch or a stronger push during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Lotus may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance performance for gamers. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel and depth in your keystrokes, the Botany, with its longer travel distance, might be more to your liking. Both switches reflect the trend of shorter travel distances in modern switches, which cater to different user preferences based on tactile feedback and response time.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 is characterized by its crisp and lively clack, which gives each keystroke an engaging auditory feedback straight out of the box. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch features a bright and resonant sound that adds to the overall keyboard experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying auditory presence; however, the Botany leans more towards a pronounced clack, while the Lotus offers a more vibrant resonance, giving them distinct acoustic personalities. It’s important to note that these sounds may vary depending on the choice of keyboard, materials, and keycaps used.
When considering feel, the Botany switch is noted for its smoothness, allowing for effortless key presses that enhance typing performance. Conversely, the HMX Lotus excels with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and delivers a super bouncy sensation, making each keystroke enjoyable and lively. While both switches provide a satisfying experience, the Botany’s focus on smoothness contrasts with the Lotus’s bounciness, appealing to different preferences among typists and gamers.
Overall, both the Akko Botany and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different tastes. The Botany excels with its crisp clacking sound and silky feel, while the Lotus impresses with its bright resonant acoustics and buoyant keystrokes. When making a choice between the two, consider what aspects—be it sound or feel—are most important for your typing or gaming style, as both will provide high-quality results with their respective attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a crisper sound profile, the Botany switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force and lively clacky noise, would be an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming or typing where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel combined with a bouncy, resonant sound, the Lotus switch might be more up your alley, offering a satisfying 50-gram actuation that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more engaging auditory experience and a playful typing sensation, reach for the Lotus; however, if lightness and crispness resonate with you, the Botany should be your go-to. Weighing these factors will help you find the switch that best matches your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
