Akko Botany vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Akko Botany, a linear switch, and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch. The Botany switch is distinguished by its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and want an engaging typing experience. Its linear nature provides a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, favored by gamers and typists alike for its consistent feel. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switches are celebrated for their bright and pronounced sound profile, ideal for enhancing the acoustics of a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. The magnetic mechanism delivers a unique feel and precise actuation, catering to users seeking an upgraded typing experience with more nuanced feedback. While both switches have their merits, including the lively sounds and smooth keystrokes, they appeal to different preferences in the typing 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
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, an interesting juxtaposition emerges in their top housings. The Botany features nylon, a classic material known for its softer properties, which is said to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is particularly notable as nylon effectively absorbs sound, dampening sharper acoustic frequencies. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate, along with its translucent quality that enhances RGB lighting, creates an entirely different auditory experience. Here we see that while both switches have distinct auditory signatures due to their top housing materials, they cater to different preferences, allowing users to select based on their desired typing feedback and sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, there is an intriguing similarity. Both the Akko Botany and the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice means that regardless of the differing top materials, both switches will deliver a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing contributes the same deeper and fuller sound profile to both switches due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This aspect may lead to a unified sensation during typing, offsetting the contrasting perceptions that arise from the sound and feedback of their respective top housings. Ultimately, the decision to use nylon in both cases unifies the tactile experience when the switches are fully pressed down.
Combining these factors, we see that the Akko Botany and the Gateron Magnetic Jade offer users a mix of auditory profiles due to their diverse top housing materials while maintaining a consistent acoustic foundation through their nylon bottom housings. Those who appreciate a rounder, mellower sound may gravitate towards the Botany, whereas users seeking a clearer, brighter typing experience may prefer the Magnetic Jade. However, both switches ensure that the critical bottoming-out aspect remains unchanged since they share the same bottom housing material. In conclusion, the intricate interplay between the different materials results in switches that cater to various preferences while still providing some fundamental similarities in sound production.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter overall. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade has a slightly lower actuation force of 30 grams but a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that while the Botany switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke, it still offers a softer landing compared to the Magnetic Jade, which feels heavier when fully depressed. For those who prefer a lighter switch to enhance endurance during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Botany might be the better choice, while users who enjoy the heft of a stronger push may favor the Magnetic Jade despite its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there is a slight difference worth noting. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Magnetic Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade’s shorter travel distance may provide a quicker reaction time, making it preferable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Akko Botany's longer travel distance might cater to those who favor a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, as a greater depth can lead to a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, while both switches are quite close in travel distance, the Botany offers a longer experience, while the Magnetic Jade provides a shorter, snappier response.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound that appeals to those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience while typing. This quality makes it satisfying for users who appreciate feedback through sound, adding an element of excitement to their keystrokes. Similarly, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a bright and clacky sound, designed specifically for an enhanced typing experience, especially on Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. Both switches can be expected to deliver a pleasing auditory feedback, but ultimately, the sound quality will also depend on the specific keyboard and keycap combinations chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is characterized as smooth and linear, providing a consistently fluid typing experience without the tactile bumps or clicks that some typists may prefer. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switch is renowned for its distinct actuation and linear characteristic, delivering a unique sensation with each keystroke. Although both switches are linear, the precise feel may vary slightly due to their individual designs, allowing users to enjoy a smooth typing experience that caters to personal preferences.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch share some similarities in their crisp clacky sounds, though the specifics may vary based on the keyboard setup. While they both offer a smooth feel, the subjective experience can differ slightly due to unique design attributes. Ultimately, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, and the choice may come down to individual preference regarding sound and nuanced feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, consider your specific preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that requires less force to actuate and enjoy a lively, clacky sound, the Akko Botany would be a suitable option for you. These switches are particularly great for casual typing and gaming, allowing for quick key presses and an engaging acoustic experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you find that you value a slightly firmer feel and are interested in enhanced acoustics, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be a better fit. With its medium-light bottom-out force and superior response, this switch is ideal for those looking to upgrade their keyboard experience, especially if you're using it for more intense typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should align with your comfort and audio preferences, so assess what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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