Akko Botany vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Gateron Lunar Probe offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Botany switch is celebrated for its lively, clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Its vibrant acoustics and direct responsiveness appeal to users seeking an engaging tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe emphasizes a smooth, pre-lubed linear feel complemented by a unique dual rail mechanism that ensures stability and consistency in every keystroke. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize a quiet, seamless typing experience without the distraction of sound. Both options have compelling features tailored to specific needs, and understanding these differences can greatly influence your decision. 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
45g
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
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Gateron Lunar Probe switches present an intriguing contrast in their top housing materials, utilizing nylon and polycarbonate, respectively. The Botany's nylon top housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which can be attributed to nylon's softer composition that effectively absorbs sound. This results in a sound that is duller and rounder, creating a more muted auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's use of polycarbonate for its top housing offers a starkly different acoustic profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer plastic structure contributes to a higher-pitched sound that is sharper and crisper, allowing for a more resonant typing experience. This fundamental difference in materials suggests that users selecting between these two switches will experience varying auditory feedback and acoustic enjoyment.
Both the Botany and Lunar Probe switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a consistency in the aural characteristics when it comes to how they respond at the bottom-out point. The nylon bottom housing in both cases emphasizes a deeper sound profile that benefits from sound absorption, providing a cohesive experience no matter which switch a user opts for in this regard. This shared element mitigates some of the differentiation introduced by the top housing materials, meaning that when users engage the switches fully, they will encounter similar auditory sensations, contributing to a fuller and rounder acoustic response in both cases.
When bringing together the unique qualities of both switches’ top and bottom housings, it is clear that the overall typing experience is influenced by the combination of materials. The disparity in sound profiles caused by the differing top housing materials in the Botany and Lunar Probe creates a nuanced typing experience that caters to diverse user preferences—some might appreciate the softer tonal quality of nylon while others may prefer the crispness of polycarbonate. However, the similarities in bottom housing composition ensure that regardless of the selected switch, there will be a baseline of familiarity in bottom-out sound and feel, allowing users to enjoy the tactile aspects of switching despite their differing top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we can see clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a gentler touch that allows for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a firmer feel that some users might favor for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches are classified as light, the Botany is the lighter option, making it more accessible for prolonged use, while the Lunar Probe provides a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a pushier feel when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel a consistent distance of the switch traveling from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience when using either switch, leading to comparable performance in terms of keystroke depth. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, they will provide the same level of responsiveness and feedback, making them equally suited for typing and gaming scenarios where switch travel distance is essential.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 switches produce a crisp, lively clacky noise that creates an engaging auditory experience when typing. This sound profile sets it apart, making it particularly pleasing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, Gateron Lunar Probe switches feature a subtle sound signature due to their dual rail mechanism, which helps to ensure that while they are smooth in operation, they do not produce much noise. This means that users seeking a quiet environment may prefer the Lunar Probe, while those who enjoy a more vibrant sound will likely gravitate towards the Botany.
When considering the feel, the Akko Botany switch offers a lively and engaging sensation during key presses, aligning with its crisp sound quality to deliver an overall enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe is known for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear feel, characterized by consistent and stable keypresses that provide a tactile satisfaction without any noticeable bumps. This difference in texture and feedback means that while the Botany enables a lively typing experience, the Lunar Probe guarantees effortless gliding across the switches with a refined smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany and Gateron Lunar Probe switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations, they each cater to different preferences. The Botany provides an energizing, clacky auditory experience coupled with a lively feel, making it ideal for users seeking a vibrant typing atmosphere. Conversely, the Lunar Probe excels in providing a smooth, quiet typing experience with stable keypresses. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer satisfying results in their respective categories, allowing newcomers to pick based on what resonates more with their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch and crave a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Botany switch might be your best option. With a bottom-out force of 45 grams, it delivers a lively, clacky sound that can make your typing experience feel more engaging and fun. This switch is ideal if you want a keyboard that captures attention with its auditory charm and offers a sprightly feel that can enhance your gaming or typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother typing experience and stability, the Gateron Lunar Probe could be more suitable. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams and its innovative dual rail mechanism, the Lunar Probe provides a consistent and reliable feel, paired with a subtle sound profile. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a quieter and more refined typing experience, especially in a work or shared environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your own typing habits and sound preferences, allowing you to create a setup that feels comfortable and satisfying for you.
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