Akko Botany vs. Gateron Mini i

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Mini i stand out for their unique characteristics and intended use cases. The Akko Botany switches, renowned for their lively clacky sound, cater to users who appreciate a dynamic typing experience, often favored by gamers and enthusiasts looking for a more expressive auditory feedback. Their linear design provides a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, making them excellent for rapid-fire key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches appeal to those seeking subtlety in their typing experience. With a gentle tactile feedback, these switches are designed for office environments, offering a balance between comfort and a refined sound profile that won't disrupt concentration in a professional setting. This lightweight option allows for prolonged typing sessions with ease, ensuring that productivity remains a priority. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on your preferences and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Gateron Mini i Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Akko Botany and the Gateron Mini i utilize nylon for their switch housings, which positions them in a similar category regarding material properties and acoustic performance. The nylon top and bottom housings in both switches are designed to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, characteristic of nylon as a softer plastic. This material absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. As a result, users can expect a consistent auditory performance from both switches, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience.

Despite the shared use of nylon, it's important to note how different housing topologies can influence the feel and sound of the switches. For switches where the top and bottom housings are distinct, the respective characteristics of each can create a varied typing experience. For example, while both the Botany and Mini i provide a similar auditory profile, the distinct arrangement of top and bottom housings can yield differences in tactile feedback, bottom-out sound, and the sound produced upon key release. Thus, even with the same materials, the switches may deliver diverse performance nuances based on how they are constructed.

In this case, since both the Akko Botany and the Gateron Mini i utilize nylon consistently for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a uniform experience across the board — both switches are likely to provide similar sound quality and tactile feedback. With the sound profiles leaning toward a deeper and softer acoustics, the typing feel would be harmonious between the two switches, leading to minimal variance in performance. Overall, this similarity in housing material and construction ensures that users will derive comparable results, making either switch a viable option for those seeking a particular typing sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we observe some distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany requires an actuation force of 38 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Botany switch. While both switches are categorized as light, the Botany provides a marginally lower force required for both actuating and bottoming out, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean toward the Mini i for its heavier feel. Therefore, if you prioritize lighter switches for prolonged use, the Botany is the better choice, while the Mini i caters to those who appreciate a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the Botany offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Botany provides a slightly longer travel experience, which can lead to a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. Gamers, who typically favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, might prefer the Mini i for its reduced travel. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, the Akko Botany switch would be the better choice. Consequently, choosing between the two largely depends on personal preference towards depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp, lively clacky tone that can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound makes it more suitable for personal use or environments where a cheerful typing noise is welcomed. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more muted sound profile, making it ideal for office settings where noisy keyboards could become a distraction. The Mini i has a neutral sound that maintains a level of professionalism while still providing subtle feedback without being intrusive.

In terms of feel, the Botany's specific qualities are not detailed, but being a linear switch, it generally offers a smooth typing experience without tactile bumps, allowing for uninterrupted key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is characterized by various descriptors such as bouncy and snappy, which contribute to a lively yet gentle typing sensation. Its easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for long periods of use. The tactile feedback provided by the Mini i ensures that while the resistance is mild, users can still enjoy a responsive experience, making their typing more engaging without overwhelming tactile sensations.

In conclusion, if you're looking for musicality in your keystrokes, the Akko Botany linear switch will provide that crisp sound that many enthusiasts enjoy, whereas the Gateron Mini i tactile switch strikes a balance with a more subdued sound, perfect for quieter environments. The feel of the Botany switch is smooth and uninterrupted, while the Mini i offers a richer, tactile response that supports endurance in typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your sound preferences and whether you prioritize a lively auditory experience or a more subdued, professional ambiance.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you desire a lively and expressive typing experience that features a crisp, clacky sound, the Botany switch would be ideal, especially for casual use or gaming where feedback and sound play a role in the overall enjoyment. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams also makes it a great choice for extended typing sessions where you might want a more engaging feel without the strain. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more subdued and professional typing experience, particularly in an office setting where noise levels should be kept to a minimum, the Gateron Mini i is the better option. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a gentle yet satisfying tactile feedback. Their neutral sound profile and bouncy, easy-to-press feel make them perfect for long hours of comfortable typing without distraction. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a playful typing experience or a more muted, supportive one suited for professionalism.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Mini i Tactile

$6.00 per 10

Learn more