Akko Botany vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Speed Silver offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Akko Botany is renowned for its crisp and lively clacky sound, which adds an auditory charm to the typing experience, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a tactile acoustic feedback. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its rapid response and full height, specifically designed for gamers seeking competitive advantage; its low spring resistance allows for quick actuation, ensuring that every millisecond counts during gameplay. While the Botany appeals to those who value an engaging sound profile and a more expressive typing experience, the Speed Silver serves as an essential tool for performance-oriented users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and the Cherry MX Speed Silver keyboards are both designed with nylon as their primary housing material, specifically utilized in both their top and bottom housings. This choice in material offers a consistent auditory experience, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon housing is beneficial due to its relatively softer composition compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound waves more effectively. Consequently, both keyboards produce a rounder and duller sound when typing, making them appealing to users who favor a quieter and more subdued typing experience. The shared materiality means that both switches will yield similar acoustic results, enhancing user satisfaction for those who appreciate the softer sound profile.

While both the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Speed Silver feature nylon in their construction, one subtle difference is how the quality of this material may influence the perception of typing feel. In the case where the top and bottom housings are unimodal, the impact of the nylon will be equally felt when pressing down and releasing the keys. For example, the Botany's nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel more prominently, while the nylon top housing will influence the sound profile when a key is released. The experience might feel slightly differentiated between the two due to potential variations in design and switch mechanisms, despite their shared nylon foundation.

In summary, both the Akko Botany and Cherry MX Speed Silver harness the benefits of nylon in their construction, resulting in a similar acoustic profile that is appealing to tactile enthusiasts. The design choices made in distributing the nylon across the top and bottom housings may lead to nuanced differences in user experience, particularly in feel and sound feedback during typing. Hence, while the use of nylon brings forth commonalities between these two keyboards, the way that material's properties interact with each keyboard's overall design may create distinct sensations for users, ultimately shaping their preferences between the two.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that they differ in actuation force. The Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, while the Botany switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the Akko Botany switch provides a clear understanding of both its actuation and bottom out forces, the Cherry MX Speed Silver leaves some uncertainties regarding its bottoming out experience. For users who appreciate a lighter touch, the Akko Botany is the preferred choice, whereas those who favor a heavier switch might lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the Botany features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Speed Silver offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference may cater to distinct user preferences; for gamers seeking rapid response times, the MX Speed Silver's shorter travel distance might be preferable, providing a more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Akko Botany with its longer travel distance may be favored by users who appreciate a deeper, more tactile keypress, which can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer the feel of more substantial key travel. Ultimately, while both switches serve the function of providing tactile feedback, the choice between them depends on individual preferences for response time versus key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound that can be quite engaging, making it a more dynamic choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch delivers a thocky, low-pitched sound that is characterized by a satisfying depth and richness. This sound is more muted compared to the Botany's lively clack, providing a bass-heavy tone that may be more appealing to users looking for a subdued auditory experience. It’s important to note that the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, meaning that each switch can perform differently based on the overall setup.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is noted for its smooth operation, which enhances the overall typing experience with a seamless transition from key press to release. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, meaning that users might experience some noticeable friction when pressing the key. This texture can add a unique character to the typing experience, although it may not appeal to those who favor an entirely smooth action. The feeling of these switches will be noticeable in practice, making them suitable for different personal preferences—whether one favors that smooth glide or the subtle tactile engagement.

Taking both the sound and feel into account, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on what kind of typing experience you are seeking. The Botany offers an engaging auditory feedback and a smooth feel, appealing to users who enjoy a lively typing session. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver caters to those who prioritize rapid response along with a textured experience while benefiting from its low spring resistance. Each switch has its strengths, allowing newcomers to choose based on their specific needs, whether they favor sound characteristics or the tactile sensation of the switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and intended usage. If you are looking for a tactile and audible feedback experience while typing or gaming, the Akko Botany switch, with its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force and crisp, lively clacky sound, would be a great fit. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy the enjoyment of sound while typing or want a switch that provides a fun and engaging experience. On the other hand, if your primary focus is on fast-paced gaming where every moment counts, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is your better option. Its design offers a rapid response with less resistance, making it ideal for competitive scenarios where quick reflexes are crucial. This switch also features a thocky sound profile and textured feel that some gamers may appreciate, as it reinforces the solid sensation of keystrokes. Therefore, consider your typing style, the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard, and whether sound or speed is more critical for you to make the best choice between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more