Akko Botany vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and KTT Mallo provide two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, offering an engaging auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment. As a linear switch, it delivers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer swift, uninterrupted key presses, especially useful in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch represents a more subtle approach with its gentle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This switch is designed for typists who appreciate a moderate typing feel without overwhelming auditory feedback, allowing for a quieter experience that suits various environments. While both switches possess unique qualities that cater to different user needs—whether you desire a dynamic sound or a refined typing touch—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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 KTT Mallo switches, a distinct contrast is evident in their top housing compositions. The Botany employs nylon for its top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively, enabling a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, highlighting the fundamental differences in how these two materials shape the user experience when typing.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both switches feature nylon, which facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is used in the bottom housing of both the Botany and Mallo switches, this similarity signifies that the bottoming-out feel and acoustic qualities experienced when keys are depressed will be relatively consistent across the two. In tactile terms, users can expect a similar sensation when they press down on the switches, allowing for a harmonious typing experience despite the contrasting top portions. This unity in bottom housing material creates a reliable foundation atop which the unique sound profiles of each switch can be compared.
Overall, the divergence in top housing materials influences the overall auditory experience, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a cohesive tactile feel. The Botany's nylon top housing, with its softer, sound-absorbing qualities, delivers a more subdued and rounded auditory experience, while the Mallo's use of polycarbonate contributes to a bright, crisp sound. Each switch's unique combination of materials showcases how the intricacies of top and bottom housing compositions can create a diverse typing experience; even when they share similarities in certain elements, the final output can vary significantly, underscoring the importance of material selection in mechanical switch design.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch present differing actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a lighter typing experience, such as during extended work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance that may cater to users who appreciate a firmer key press. This weight difference suggests that the Botany is the lighter option, while the Mallo is heavier overall, particularly when considering the bottom out force. Those prioritizing a softer touch might prefer the Botany, whereas users who like a more substantial feel when typing might lean toward the Mallo's characteristics, despite its unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Mallo switch provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth, while the shorter travel distance of the Botany switch may cater to those who enjoy a more responsive experience, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, the Botany switch is the shorter option, offering quicker actuation, whereas the Mallo's longer distance may feel more substantial and deliberate for users who prefer a fuller tactile feedback when typing or gaming.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is renowned for its crisp and lively clacky sound, creating a vibrant auditory experience right out of the box. This dynamic sound signature can be particularly rewarding for users who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch offers a more subdued auditory experience. The sound produced is dampened and less attention-grabbing than that of the Botany, making it a versatile option suitable for quieter environments. Although the Mallo doesn't completely silence the act of typing, its subtlety is likely to appeal to those who appreciate a more muted sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany is characterized by its smooth linear typing experience, which often provides an uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for users looking for fluidity, particularly during gaming or rapid typing. Conversely, the KTT Mallo tactile switch features a gentle tactility that is just noticeable enough to give feedback without being intrusive. This design incorporates a medium-light typing feel that reduces finger fatigue, allowing users to type comfortably for extended sessions. The Mallo's combination of mild resistance and a stepped tactile sensation optimizes comfort for both casual typists and gamers, allowing for a more engaging typing experience without overwhelming the user.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch excels in providing an engaging and vibrant sound, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a quieter yet refined typing experience with its subtle feedback. The Botany prioritizes a smooth, unbroken keystroke, while the Mallo enhances tactile engagement without veering into overpowering territory. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver satisfying results tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re drawn to a lively typing experience characterized by a crisp and engaging clacky sound alongside a lighter actuation force of just 45 grams, the Botany switch may be the perfect fit for you, especially if you enjoy fast-paced gaming or simply want an expressive auditory feedback while you type. However, if you are looking for a more balanced, versatile option that provides a gentle form of tactile feedback without being overwhelming, the Mallo switch is worth considering. With a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, it offers a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended hours of work or study, coupled with its subdued sound profile that makes it suitable for quieter environments. In essence, your choice should align with whether you value more pronounced auditory feedback and lightness or a softer touch with subtle feedback and an adaptable sound profile.
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