Akko Botany vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Botany switch, celebrated for its crisp, lively clack, caters to enthusiasts who relish a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, enhancing their overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top switches are designed with the office environment in mind, prioritizing a quieter typing experience that still maintains a comfortable and light actuation, making them ideal for extended typing sessions in professional settings. While the Botany switch embodies a vibrant and engaging typing sound, the Mountain Top provides a mild and subtle auditory signature that helps maintain focus without distraction. Ultimately, both switches serve unique purposes, appealing to those who enjoy a spirited typing experience versus those seeking a more subdued and efficient workflow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and Gateron Mountain Top switches, it's important to note that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. The choice of nylon as a material is significant, as it is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Typing on switches made with nylon elicits a characteristic auditory experience that is softer and more rounded due to the material's sound-absorbing properties. Both the Botany and Mountain Top switches share this feature, suggesting that users should expect a similar acoustic quality when using either switch.
Despite their shared use of nylon, the nuances in user experience are likely to come from other design aspects beyond the housing material itself. The interaction between the top and bottom housings can influence the overall feel and sound produced by a switch. While both switches may generate similar sound profiles due to their nylon construction, factors such as spring design, keycap compatibility, and unique internal features could affect the tactile feedback and the sound produced during bottom-out and release actions. Therefore, while the materials offer consistency in certain attributes, the performance and experience might still differ based on the complete switch design.
Overall, since both the Akko Botany and Gateron Mountain Top use nylon for their housings, users can expect a comparable sound characteristic that is deep and full in nature. However, the full extent of the typing experience will depend on the interplay of various components within the switch, leading to potential variances in feel and sound output. Consequently, while the similar housing materials promise a certain auditory satisfaction, the overall typing experience may manifest differently when considering the specific designs of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. While both switches are classified as light switches, the Botany provides a slightly softer feel overall. This means that typists or gamers who favor a lighter switch may find the Akko Botany more comfortable for extended use, while those preferring a stronger push might opt for the Gateron Mountain Top for its more substantial actuation. Overall, the choice between these two will depend on individual preferences for feedback and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Botany measures 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Botany offers a slightly deeper feel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance could cater to those who prioritize responsiveness and quick actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you favor a more substantial depth with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, the Botany is the better option, while if you lean towards a snappier feel, the 3.4 mm Mountain Top is likely to suit you better.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 linear switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky tone, making it an expressive option for typists who relish an audible feedback. This vibrant sound contributes to a joyful typing experience, particularly appealing for creative or casual settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for a more subdued auditory profile, ideal for office environments where discretion is paramount. These switches provide a neutral sound that strikes a balance between being noticeable and unobtrusive, making them suitable for shared spaces or environments where distraction needs to be minimized.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch offers an invigorating typing experience that may be perceived as less defined or lacking discernible characteristics compared to its Gateron counterpart. In contrast, the Mountain Top linear switch is characterized by its bouncy and easy-to-press nature; it provides a spring-like feedback that enhances responsiveness. The switches are engineered to require minimal force, making extended typing sessions more comfortable and less fatiguing. Additionally, the mild and subtle characteristics of the Mountain Top create an approachable typing experience, resulting in a satisfying blend of feedback without overwhelming the user.
In summary, while the Akko Botany linear switch offers a lively sound and a feel that might be described as more straightforward, the Gateron Mountain Top linear is engineered for quiet efficiency and user comfort, with a notable bouncy response and gentle actuation. Your choice between these switches might ultimately depend on your specific context—whether you prioritize expressive auditory feedback or a refined, silent typing experience. Both switches deliver unique benefits that can enrich your typing experience, ensuring you’ll feel just as engaged no matter which you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience, the Akko Botany, with its lighter 45-gram actuation force, is an excellent fit. It delivers a crisp, clacky sound and a responsive feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a little auditory feedback and want to inject some personality into their typing. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that emphasizes quietness and discretion for use in professional or shared spaces, the Gateron Mountain Top should be your go-to. With a slightly heavier 50-gram force, these switches offer a bouncy and easy-to-press experience, while remaining subdued in sound. They strike a balance between performance and noise control, making them suitable for long typing sessions without disturbing others. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or discretion and comfort in your typing experience.
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