Akko Botany vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two noteworthy linear options to consider are the Akko Botany and the Dareu Master switches. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, adding an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers alike appreciate. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch offers a polished experience with its medium weight and signature smoothness, also featuring a classic clacky sound that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences. While the Akko Botany leans towards a more vibrant auditory signature, the Dareu Master emphasizes smooth operation while maintaining a satisfying sound. Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, and selecting between them will ultimately depend on your preferred feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and the Dareu Master, it is essential to examine the housing materials of both switches, as these significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Akko Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer and more absorbent properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows the material to dampen vibrations, creating a more muted auditory experience that is favored by many typists seeking a pleasant and rounded sound. In contrast, the Dareu Master employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for generating a unique sound profile that is also on the deeper side but offers a different character. While POM is harder than nylon, it still produces a relatively muted sound, appealing to those who appreciate a distinctive auditory experience.
Despite the differences in materials, the underlying characteristics of both switches promote a similar sound profile. The nylon in the Botany tends to absorb sound more effectively, thus resulting in a softer auditory experience when typing. Meanwhile, the POM used in the Dareu Master provides a strong foundation for a satisfying sound, albeit with a different upper tonal quality. When both housings are engaged—either through typing or releasing the keys—the nylon's cushioned feel and POM's sharper clarity work in tandem, ensuring that users enjoy a satisfactory sound experience, albeit with distinct nuances. Ultimately, the combination of each material's properties creates unique yet comparably enjoyable typing results.
In terms of their structural impact on performance, both the Akko Botany and Dareu Master exhibit similar outcomes due to the defined roles of the top and bottom housings in a switch. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that both the nylon of the Botany and the POM of the Master produce an impact on this aspect of typing. Conversely, the top housing is more responsible for the sound produced when a key is released. Thus, while the Botany's nylon may create a softer sound upon key release compared to the Master’s POM, the diversification in sound profiles ultimately results in both switches maintaining a pleasurable typing experience. Their different materials contribute unique sounds and tactile feedback, ensuring that users can find a model that suits their personal preferences while achieving similar overall results in terms of sound quality and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force while the bottom out force for the Master is unknown. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, catering to users who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Dareu Master has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists may favor for tactile feedback. However, since the bottom out force for the Master is not specified, we cannot directly compare it to the Botany's bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Botany is the lighter option, which may appeal to those looking for comfort during long use, while the Master leans towards a heavier option for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Master has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This distinction means that the Botany offers a deeper feel during key presses, which might appeal to users who favor a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Master can provide quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers looking for speed. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches hinges on personal preference for key depth; those who appreciate a more robust feel may opt for the Botany, while those who prioritize rapid actuation might prefer the Master.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 produces a crisp and lively clacky sound that immediately captures attention, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. The Dareu Master linear switch, on the other hand, also boasts a clacky sound signature, characterized as medium weight, delivering a sharp and percussive auditory experience. Both switches offer a distinct noise level that can add character to your keyboard setup, though it’s important to remember that environmental factors like the keyboard body and keycap material can influence the final sound you experience.
Regarding the tactile feel, the Botany’s details are not specified, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch is known for its mild characteristics, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience that can appeal to a wide range of users. Its polished quality ensures a smooth operation with reduced friction, promoting an effortless key travel that many enthusiasts seek. As a result, users can expect a refined and satisfying tactile sensation when engaging with this switch.
In summary, both the Akko Botany and Dareu Master linear switches share a common clacky sound quality, appealing to those who prefer auditory feedback while typing. The significant difference lies in the Master’s defined mildness and polished feel, suggesting a smoother experience and broader approachability. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may hinge on personal preference for sound and tactile characteristics—both will deliver satisfying results, but the Dareu Master has an edge in smooth operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering which switch to choose between the Akko Botany linear and the Dareu Master linear, it largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter switch with an energetic and lively clacky sound right from the start, the Botany would be an excellent choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a keyboard that delivers a vivid auditory feedback while typing, making it ideal for both gaming and everyday use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and polished experience, the Dareu Master linear switch could be more to your liking. With its medium weight, mild sound profile, and exceptional smoothness, this switch offers a refined typing experience that appeals to users who value comfort and consistency over the auditory elements. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prioritize lively feedback and sound or a smooth and understated feel while typing.
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