Akko Botany vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Black both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively feedback, providing a delightful clack with each keystroke that adds a touch of auditory enjoyment while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches excel in their smooth, low-pitched sound profile thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, ensuring a consistently refined typing experience. If you value a more engaging sound with each press, the Botany may be the switch for you. Conversely, if you prefer a subdued auditory experience with a focus on tactile smoothness, the Cherry MX Black could be your ideal choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Cherry MX Black switches exhibit a striking similarity in their choice of housing materials, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This shared material is significant in the context of tactile and auditory experiences when typing. Nylon is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its relatively softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a typing experience that is characterized as duller and rounder. Consequently, whether you are using the Botany switches or the MX Black switches, you can expect a similarly rich auditory feedback during typing, facilitating a pleasant and engaging interaction.
The impact of nylon on sound profile can be observed in both the Botany and MX Black switches, given that both feature nylon as their construction material throughout. The nature of the material plays a crucial role in the acoustic properties of each switch, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing sound without the harshness often associated with switches made from harder plastics. Both switches, therefore, provide an experience that emphasizes a smooth keystroke and a less jarring auditory result. The sound generated by the keystrokes in both switches will likely resonate within a comparable range, thereby enhancing the overall user experience for enthusiasts seeking a softer and more rounded typing sound.
However, while both switches utilize the same material, their design and features may affect the overall typing feel and performance. As noted, the bottom housing generally influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing shapes the sound upon key release. Any differentiation in other switch characteristics, such as actuation force or switch design, may impact how the typing experience manifests. Nevertheless, as both switches employ nylon in their housings, users can expect a fundamentally similar sound profile, with the differences lying more in tactile feedback than in overall sound quality. As a result, fans of deeper acoustic experiences will find common ground in both the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Black switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a clear difference in both actuation force and bottom-out force, with the former being lighter in the Akko switch. The Botany requires an actuation force of just 38 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Cherry MX Black has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This disparity continues with the bottom-out forces, where the Botany's 45 grams contrasts sharply with the Black's 80 grams. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Akko Botany is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Cherry MX Black offers a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to those who favor a heavier switch. Ultimately, if a user prefers a switch with a lighter actuation and bottom-out force, the Akko Botany would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a firmer typing experience should opt for the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MX Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Botany switch. For gamers and those who prioritize quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Botany may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black's greater depth can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate the feeling of a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; if you favor responsiveness, the Akko Botany is the shorter option, whereas the Cherry MX Black may be preferable for those who enjoy a more robust key feel.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 produces a crisp and lively clacky sound, which is quite distinct and offers a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This makes it an engaging choice for users who appreciate a noticeable sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a low-pitched, deep sound that leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This provides a more subdued auditory experience, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing environment. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that both switches can exhibit variations in sound based on the specifics of the build.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switches are characterized by their lively response and engaging tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience with a noticeable sensation as keys are pressed. This makes them enjoyable for typing and gaming alike, as users can feel their interactions with the keyboard clearly. The Cherry MX Black switches, conversely, are known for their smoothness, particularly with the new Hyperglide tooling that Cherry has introduced, fostering a consistent and fluid keystroke without any tactile bumps. This smooth linear action is ideal for those who desire a straightforward keypress without distractions, making it a favored choice for gamers and typists requiring rapid repeated key presses.
In summary, while both the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Black switches fulfill the role of linear switches, they offer distinctly different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Botany’s crisp, lively sound and engaging feel may appeal more to those who enjoy feedback and an auditory presence, whereas the MX Black’s low, bassy sound and smooth action cater to users looking for a more subdued and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but both are capable of delivering satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch should hinge on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and the overall typing experience. If you find yourself favoring a lighter switch that offers a more lively response when typing, the Akko Botany with its 45 grams of bottom-out force and a crisp, clacky sound would be an excellent choice. This switch can enhance your typing speed and responsiveness, making it particularly appealing if you engage in fast-paced typing or gaming where quick actions are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel, the Cherry MX Black is your go-to option. With its heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams and a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, it provides a solid and more controlled typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback and enjoy a robust, classic feel. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and personal taste in sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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