Akko Botany vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming needs, the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Brown switches present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lively clacky sound and smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that embodies subtlety with its gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, perfect for users who prefer a balanced, quiet typing experience that still provides a satisfying response. Ultimately, selecting between the two boils down to whether you value a more pronounced sound and feel or a quieter, more understated interaction with your keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Cherry MX Brown switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which contributes to a similar sound and tactile experience. Nylon is renowned for its acoustic properties, as it is a softer plastic compared to alternatives like polycarbonate or ABS. This softness allows the material to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Users can expect a notable difference in the auditory experience, with both switches producing a duller and rounder sound that many typists find appealing. Thus, individuals seeking a pleasant typing experience will appreciate the consistent acoustic performance offered by both the Botany and MX Brown switches.
Despite using the same nylon material for both the top and bottom housings in both switches, it is essential to note that the overall impact of each housing may vary. Each part influences distinct elements of the switch's performance. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel upon bottoming out, the top housing affects the sound released when the key is released. Therefore, although both the Botany and MX Brown utilize the same nylon composition, the specific design and structure of each switch can lead to variances in the typing experience that might appeal to different user preferences.
In summary, while the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Brown utilize identical housing materials in terms of composition, the unique characteristics of their respective designs can create different typing sensations. Users may find that both switches yield a generally pleasant auditory experience due to their nylon construction, but nuances in feel and response could lead to personalized preferences. Moreover, the qualities imparted by the top and bottom housings ensure that both switches cater to distinct tactile and auditory elements, resulting in a satisfying performance that highlights the versatility of nylon switch housings in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges regarding their weight and overall feel. The Botany switch boasts a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which offers a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a stronger push. As a result, the Botany switch is lighter and may be better suited for those who prioritize comfort over long periods, while the MX Brown caters to individuals seeking a firmer tactile experience. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct user preferences in keyboard responsiveness and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, which may provide a quicker response time for users who prefer faster actuation, such as gamers. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper key press, providing a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus 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 Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate an audible typing experience that energizes their work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown offers a more understated auditory presence, characterized by its subtlety. While the Botany's sound profile stands out for its sharpness, the MX Browns provide a deeper, bassy resonance, creating a richer sound experience, yet without overwhelming the user. This difference caters to distinct preferences—whether one desires the lively engagement of the Botany or the calm consistency of the MX Brown.
In terms of feel, the Botany switch's characteristics remain unspecified, which leaves it open to interpretation based on user experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is renowned for its tactile feedback, offering a textured feel that can introduce a slight friction during key presses. This textural response is appreciated by many typists for the sense of engagement it provides, driving a tactile satisfaction without being overly stiff. Thus, those who prefer a smooth, uncomplicated typing experience may have a different expectation when they compare it with the Botany switch.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch provides a vibrant sound that could cater to those seeking a more expressive auditory feedback, while the Cherry MX Brown leans towards a subtler and richer auditory profile complemented by tactile feedback. The differences in sound and feel reveal that the Botany is better suited for those who prefer a lively experience, while MX Browns offer a more restrained yet pleasantly textured typing journey. Choosing between them ultimately depends on personal priorities in sound and tactile feedback, as each switch caters to unique preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a lightweight switch that provides a fun, lively typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound right out of the box, the Akko Botany is your best bet. It's ideal for those who enjoy rapid key presses and want a more expressive auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a balance between lightness and subtlety, the Cherry MX Brown would be more suitable. Its medium-light actuation force offers gentle tactile feedback without the overwhelming noise, making it a great choice for a quieter environment or for those who appreciate a more refined typing experience. Additionally, if you value a textured feel when typing, the MX Brown's noticeable friction can be appealing. Ultimately, consider your usage context—whether it's for gaming, casual browsing, or professional typing—as this will guide your switch selection and ensure you enjoy your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
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