Akko Botany vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and KTT MoonRosa offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound, providing an auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa switches feature an all-POM construction that ensures a buttery smooth typing experience, accompanied by a mild, low-pitched sound that is both neutral and easy on the ears. Choosing the Botany will delight those who appreciate an engaging auditory experience, while the MoonRosa is ideal for users seeking a smooth and subtle typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and KTT MoonRosa switches present distinct yet comparable characteristics, each contributing to a unique typing experience. The Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb sound effectively, which leads to a duller and rounder auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the MoonRosa features polyoxymethylene (POM) for its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for producing a distinct and pleasing sound that is similarly deep but more muted. While both materials aim for a deeper sound experience, their different compositions impart unique qualities, with nylon leaning more towards absorption and POM emphasizing clarity.
When examining the bottom housing specifically, it's evident that both the Botany and MoonRosa switches leverage the properties of their respective materials to shape the typing feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Botany elicits a softer bottom-out feel due to its ability to absorb impact, while the POM bottom housing of the MoonRosa, although softer than harder plastics, still offers a unique response that brings out its intricate sound attributes. This differentiation means that while both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback, the nature of that feedback varies based on the material used. The nylon in the Botany might produce a more muted, cushioning effect, while the POM in the MoonRosa may deliver a slightly crisper tactile sensation.
Despite the differences in material composition, the end results in terms of sound profile and overall typing experience are aligned. Both the Akko Botany and KTT MoonRosa evoke deeper and more muted auditory experiences through the sound absorption qualities of nylon and the unique sound characteristics of POM. Since both top and bottom housings significantly influence the sound when pressing and releasing keys, one can expect a somewhat analogous typing experience, albeit with distinct nuances. Thus, even with their contrasting materials, both switches can produce similarly satisfying results—highlighting how the intricate balance between housing materials can lead to rich and unique sound profiles that cater to various typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, both options provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged use, whether for typing at work or during extended gaming sessions. The Akko Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams, while the KTT MoonRosa is slightly lighter at 37 grams. Notably, both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that they will provide a consistent feel when fully pressed down, despite the slight difference in actuation forces. For users who prefer lighter switches, the MoonRosa may be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial push feel without going too heavy can enjoy both switches' bottom out performance. Overall, the differences in actuation force are minimal, promising similar user experiences across both models.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, the Botany offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MoonRosa measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This small difference makes the Botany the longer switch by a mere 0.1 mm. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the MoonRosa may be more appealing, as it allows for faster key presses. In contrast, those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience might find the Botany’s additional 0.1 mm to provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding the trade-off between responsiveness and keypress depth.
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 MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clack, offering an engaging auditory experience that's bright and dynamic right out of the box. This high-pitched characteristic can provide a satisfying feedback for those who enjoy the audible confirmation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa switch has a more subdued acoustic profile with its low-pitched sound, which tends to deliver a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This neutral sound signature can be less intrusive, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a more subtle typing experience. It's important to note that sound can be influenced by your specific keyboard builds, including the choice of materials used for the board and keycaps.
When considering feel, the Botany switch does not have explicit descriptors, but it is often associated with a noticeable tactile response that many typists prefer for its engaging and interactive nature. Conversely, the MoonRosa switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that balances comfort with the subtle feedback users might expect. Its easy-to-press quality means that it requires minimal force to activate, making it ideal for long typing sessions due to its low-impact feel. This responsiveness and resistance level make the MoonRosa accommodating for a wide range of users, promoting an effortless and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany and KTT MoonRosa switches differ substantially in sound—one being crisp and the other low-pitched—they both cater effectively to distinct user preferences. In terms of feel, the Botany's engaging nature contrasts with the MoonRosa's mild and easy-to-press characteristics, offering options for users who desire either tactile feedback or comfortable ease during extended use. Both switches could yield a satisfying typing experience, depending on personal preferences, highlighting how sound and feel contribute intricately to the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard. If you are drawn to a more lively typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound profile, the Botany switch is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force, paired with its distinct auditory feedback, makes it particularly suitable for those who appreciate a more engaging acoustic environment while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience along with a low-pitched, mellow sound, the MoonRosa switch will likely be more to your liking. It combines easy pressability with a gentle resistance that can enhance comfort during long typing sessions, making it an appealing pick for casual typists and gamers alike. In essence, consider your acoustic preferences and desired tactile feedback to find the switch that best complements your typing style and enhances your overall experience.
Mentioned in this article
