Akko Botany vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Akko Botany and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches. The Akko Botany, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that is ideal for those who seek a quiet yet responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that delivers a pronounced tactile feedback, featuring a strong downstroke bump coupled with an even sharper upstroke sensation, resulting in a hypertactile feel that many enthusiasts find addictive. While the Botany switch caters to those who prefer a seamless typing flow without auditory distractions, the Moyu Blacks offer a distinctive acoustic and tactile experience, making each keystroke feel more deliberate and satisfying. Both switches have their unique strengths that can enhance your typing experience in different ways; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) showcase distinct materials for their switch housings, which significantly influence their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Akko Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softness and sound absorption capabilities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that gives users a richer typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black incorporates PBT for its top and bottom housings. While PBT is a durable and high-quality plastic, it offers a more neutral sound profile—neither crisp nor dull—which can lead to a less pronounced auditory experience when typing.
When considering the bottom housing of each switch, the differences in material become even more pronounced. The Botany’s nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience by delivering a deeper bottom-out sound, largely due to the sonic properties of nylon. It absorbs sound waves more effectively than PBT, leading to a rounded and cohesive auditory experience. Conversely, the Moyu Black's PBT bottom housing maintains that neutral profile and ensures a consistency in sound that is less detached compared to nylon. As such, while the Botany provides a characteristically fuller bottom-out sound, the Moyu Black remains balanced and versatile.
In terms of tactile feedback, both switches deliver a distinct experience shaped by their materials. The nylon used in the Botany's housings tends to create a softer, cushioned feeling, which can be quite pleasant for those who enjoy a more forgiving keypress. On the other hand, the PBT housings of the Moyu Black provide a firmer feel that could appeal to users looking for a more defined key response. Despite these differences, both switches exhibit a high level of consistency in build quality, ensuring reliable performance over time. Ultimately, while the materials diverge in acoustic and tactile profiles, users can find satisfaction in either choice based on their personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming because of the ease of actuation. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience that can provide tactile feedback and a firmer push. This indicates that the Botany is the lighter option overall, while the Moyu Black is notably heavier. Therefore, if you prioritize a light switch for comfort in long-duration use, the Akko Botany would be the ideal choice, while the Moyu Black would better suit those who enjoy the feel of a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quick actions. Conversely, the Moyu Black, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and find shorter distances too abrupt. As a result, users looking for a snappier response and less travel would gravitate towards the Akko Botany, while those who value a deeper, more tactile experience might find the Moyu Black more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding travel distance and feedback.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
The sound characteristics of the Akko Botany linear switch are noted for their crisp, lively, and clacky auditory response, making them ideal for users who enjoy an engaging sonic experience while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offers a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp, producing a higher-pitched tone that enhances the overall typing experience. The sound from the Moyu Blacks is more punchy due to its unique design, combining a strong tactile bump with an accented bottom-out, thus creating an immersive auditory environment. Overall, both switches provide distinct yet appealing sound qualities that can be influenced by the board and keycaps used.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Akko Botany is known for providing a smooth linear experience, perfect for those who prefer uninterrupted key presses without a tactile bump. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) delivers a notably sharp tactile sensation, characterized by a strong downstroke bump and an even more pronounced upstroke bump, leading to a hypertactile feeling. This creates a highly tactile experience, combining an intense feedback response with a medium-heavy resistance that adds to the typing satisfaction. The combination of sharp and accented feedback with the Moyu Black makes it ideal for individuals seeking an impactful tactical experience, while the Botany offers a more streamlined and fluid typing journey.
In summary, both the Akko Botany and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches present unique advantages catering to different typing preferences. The Botany excels in producing a lively clack and smooth feel, making it suitable for those who favor linear switches without tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Moyu Black offers a sharp, tactile experience with a sensual auditory element that enhances its tactile quality. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience or a more tactile, engaging feedback that resonates with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a lively, engaging typing experience, the Botany's 45-gram bottom-out force and its crisp, clacky sound make it an excellent option. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize speed and a smoother keystroke, perfect for gaming or rapid typing tasks where responsiveness is key. However, if you appreciate a more tactile sensation combined with a slightly heavier feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the way to go. With its pronounced tactile bump and a 67-gram bottom-out force, this switch offers a robust and impactful typing experience, providing distinct feedback with each keystroke. The resonant audio profile enhances this experience further, making it enjoyable for those who type a lot or appreciate a satisfying sound with each press. Ultimately, consider how you like to type, whether you prefer a lighter, faster keystroke or a more tactile, deliberate one, as this will help you make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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