Akko Botany vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Gateron Mars offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, bringing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate right out of the box. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a bit of auditory personality while maintaining a smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches introduce an innovative design with a unique POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, emphasizing durability and a subtle, yet satisfying feel with each press. This switch appeals to those who prioritize long-lasting performance and a silky-smooth typing experience without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, while both switches cater to users seeking linear options, they offer different sensory experiences that may influence your choice. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and Gateron Mars switches, the similarities in their top housing materials stand out prominently. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which is recognized as a classic material in switch design. This nylon housing contributes to a pronounced and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound. This shared characteristic results in a deeper, rounder auditory experience that is less sharp compared to switches made with harder plastics. As such, users can expect a consistent sound quality when typing on both the Botany and Mars switches due to the commonality in top housing materials.
Contrasting the bottom housings of the Akko Botany and Gateron Mars reveals a divergence in the materials used, which influences their sound profiles. The Botany employs a nylon bottom housing that aligns with its top counterpart, promoting a unified sound characteristic that reinforces the deeper and fuller auditory feedback. In contrast, the Mars utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for its unique sound signature, which also leans towards a deeper tone but is described as more muted. The POM material has different acoustic qualities compared to nylon, resulting in distinct sound profiles during bottom-out. Consequently, while the Botany provides a harmonized sound experience, the Mars introduces a layered complexity due to the different bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the combined materials of the housing—nylon for both top and bottom in the Botany and a mix of nylon and POM for the Mars—demonstrate how key characteristics can influence the overall typing experience. With switches where the top and bottom housings differ, like in the Mars, the bottom housing predominantly impacts the sound and feel when bottoming out, while the top housing shapes the sound released upon key release. This nuanced interaction signifies that despite both switches having a nylon top housing which fosters a similar auditory experience during typing, the distinct bottom housing of the Mars adds another layer of complexity to its sound profile, thereby offering a different tactile feedback experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, key differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mars switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its full tactile feedback. Overall, if a lighter touch is desired, the Akko Botany is the clear winner; should a heavier feel be more to your liking, you might lean toward the Gateron Mars, despite the uncertainty about its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar keypress feel when typing or gaming with either switch. This equality ensures that both switches provide comparable performance in terms of the distance the key travels from top to bottom, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Since they both have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and tactile feedback when utilizing these switches.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 is renowned for its crisp and lively clacky sound, making it highly appealing for those who enjoy an auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic is ideal for users who appreciate a more noticeable sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch introduces a unique design with its POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM; however, its specific sound signature has not been detailed. It is important to note that sound experience is also influenced by the type of keyboard, board material, and keycap choice, meaning users may find ways to achieve a similar audio experience regardless of the differences in switch construction.
Regarding feel, the Botany switch is characterized by its responsive and smooth linear action, providing a satisfying typing experience without any tactile bumps. This allows for effortless key presses and quick actuation, catering well to users who prefer a straightforward linear feel. The Mars switch, with its innovative design, likely offers a different sensation, though specific details about its tactile feedback or resistance are not provided. While both switches are linear, the nuances of each switch's feel can vary significantly, making it essential for users to test both switches to determine personal preference.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out for its crisp sound and responsive feel, while the Gateron Mars switch presents a unique design that may contribute to a different typing experience, though its sound profile remains unspecified. Both switches are designed to deliver smooth performance, appealing to users who prefer linear behaviors, yet individual preferences in sound and feel dynamics may lead to different user experiences. Testing each one is the best way to determine which aligns with your typing style and auditory enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth actuation and enjoy a crisp, lively clacky sound, the Botany switch is likely the better choice for you. It’s particularly well-suited for gamers and typists who value quick responsiveness and auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're drawn to innovative designs and materials, the Gateron Mars switch—with its unique POK stem and Nylon/POM housing—might cater to your desires for a distinct tactile experience. However, do keep in mind the absence of specifications for its bottom out force, which could make it less predictable compared to the Botany. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits as well as whether you lean toward lively sound profiles or innovative, premium construction.
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