Akko Botany vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of various options, particularly when comparing the Akko Botany and KTT Mint linear switches. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound, providing an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches offer a satisfyingly smooth typing feel, marked by a poppy thockiness thanks to their long pole stem, making for a lighter and more fleeting response. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different preferences: the Botany emphasizes sound and tactile engagement, while the Mint focuses on a silky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Botany and KTT Mint switches demonstrate a notable contrast in their top housing materials, with the Botany utilizing nylon and the Mint featuring polycarbonate. Nylon, as employed in the Botany's top housing, is a softer plastic known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This type of material tends to create a rounder sound when typing, making it appealing for those who prioritize a more muted auditory experience. On the contrary, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing, being stiffer, delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is clearer and more resonant. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting systems, allowing for more vibrant visual effects that can complement the overall design of a keyboard.

While the top housings differ significantly, both the Botany and Mint share the same material, nylon, for their bottom housings. This similarity means that regardless of the acoustic characteristics provided by the different top housing materials, the overall sound profile benefits from nylon's inherent qualities in both switches. The softer nature of nylon predominantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a uniform foundation in terms of tactile feedback. When users engage these switches, they will experience the familiar deep and full sound that nylon is known for, which helps to balance the differing auditory experiences presented by the top housings.

In summary, the distinct choice of top housing materials creates a varied typing sound and feel between the Akko Botany and KTT Mint switches. The Botany's nylon top offers a softer and more subdued auditory feedback, while the Mint's polycarbonate yields a brighter and crisper sound, particularly suited for RGB applications. However, the uniformity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent base experience that emphasizes the deeper sound qualities inherent to nylon. Consequently, the overall sensory experience reflects a blend of unique sonic characteristics derived from the contrasting top housings while benefiting from a shared foundation provided by the nylon bottom.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users can type with less effort. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more resistant push feel for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. This makes the Mint switch more medium-light compared to the lighter Botany switch. Thus, if one prefers a tactile feedback and robustness while typing, the Mint would be the choice, while long-term typists or gamers may lean towards the Akko Botany for its ease of use. Overall, users looking for a lighter experience should consider the Akko Botany, while those who favor a heavier touch should opt for the KTT Mint.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking faster actuation. On the other hand, the Mint, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. This contrast illustrates the differing user preferences: those who favor responsiveness and speed might gravitate towards the Botany, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke may opt for the Mint. Thus, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany switches produce a crisp, lively clacky sound that can be quite engaging for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic clacking is noticeable and adds a certain jubilant quality to the typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint linear switches are low-pitched and tend toward a more neutral sound profile. This means they provide a bass-heavy, mellow tone that is less likely to disrupt a quiet environment, making them a good choice for those who want a subtler auditory feedback while typing. The difference in sound will cater to individual preferences, with the Botany providing an energetic feel and the Mint offering a more subdued performance.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Botany lacks a specific description in terms of tactile feedback, leaving its feel somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches are characterized by a mild experience, ideal for those seeking an approachable typing experience without overwhelming sensations. Additionally, the Mint switches feature a polished feel, which suggests a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, attributing to more consistent key travel. With the Botany being unknown in this realm, one may assume its feel is less refined than that of the smooth, polished Mint.

In conclusion, the Akko Botany switches shine with their vivacious sound but remain ambiguous in feel, while the KTT Mint switches excel in providing a smooth, mild typing experience alongside their more muted sound profile. For users to achieve a particular ambiance, the Botany's lively clack will appeal to those craving dynamic feedback, whereas the Mint will suit individuals who prefer a quieter, refined experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal typing preferences, with the potential for both to be satisfying in their unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch largely depends on your preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you’re looking for a lighter switch that offers a lively and clacky audio feedback right out of the box, the Botany is an excellent option. Its 45-gram actuation force makes it ideal for those who enjoy quick typing and a responsive experience, making it a perfect pick for casual gamers or typists who prefer a more audible and engaging sound. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smooth and refined typing experience with a more subdued, low-pitched sound, then the KTT Mint should be your choice. With a 53-gram actuation force, it provides a medium-light resistance that offers a pleasantly mild typing feel. This makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and environments where quieter operation is preferred, such as in offices or shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you value a lively auditory engagement or a smoother and quieter experience in your typing endeavors.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more