Akko Botany vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Haimu Neo White offer distinct experiences despite both being categorized as linear switches. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound profile, providing an engaging auditory feedback that appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Neo White switches are designed with a medium weight and a slightly reduced total travel, resulting in a smooth and satisfying keystroke that many find ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The innovative Ly stem of the Neo White contributes to its unique feel, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize a sleek and seamless actuation. Each switch has its strengths, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Haimu Neo White switches, significant differences arise in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. Nylon’s properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, leading to a rounder acoustic experience. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White employs a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, which also enhances RGB lighting effects through translucency. Thus, while users of the two switches may appreciate the distinctive auditory experiences they create, the Botany emphasizes warmth, while the Neo White delivers clarity.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a shared characteristic that influences the sound and feel when the switch is activated. As with the Botany, the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White helps produce that familiar deeper and rounder sound profile associated with more classic switch designs. The similarity in bottom housing materials means that, regardless of the performance differences in their respective top housings, users will experience a consistent depth and tactile feedback when bottoming out either switch. This alignment in bottom housing serves to provide a comforting consistency for users who prefer that classic switch feel.
Since the top and bottom housings of the two switches vary, the overall auditory experience is a blend of their respective characteristics based on the housing materials. In the Botany, the nylon top dominates the lift-off sound with its absorptive qualities, making for a muted experience as keys are released. In contrast, the Neo White's polycarbonate top will produce a more vibrant and lifting sound as the key islet off, influenced by the material's rigidity. Thus, while both switches derive a similar tactile experience from their nylon bottom housings, the varying designs lead to distinct auditory profiles. Therefore, different choices in housing materials reinforce the broad range of switch experiences available to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany features a light actuation force of 38 grams paired with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Neo White has an unknown actuation force but a notably heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, which suggests a more substantial typing feel that may appeal to users who favor a firmer push. Since the actuation force of the Neo White is not specified, it remains unclear how its overall performance compares directly in that aspect. Overall, individuals seeking a lighter switch should lean towards the Akko Botany, while those desiring a more robust experience may find the Haimu Neo White more appealing, assuming its actuation force is indeed heavier.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of movement from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar feel during typing or gaming. Because both switches share this identical travel distance, users can expect comparable actuation responses, allowing for a consistent experience regardless of the chosen switch.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 tone right out of the box, which gives it a vibrant auditory character that many typists enjoy. The sound profile of the Botany makes it particularly appealing for users looking for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more neutral sound, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a sound profile that is well-suited for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While the Botany's sound is more pronounced and lively, both switches will provide a satisfying auditory feedback, albeit in different ways. Keep in mind that the overall sound experience will also depend on external factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Botany is noted for its vibrant character, enhancing the typing experience with its responsiveness. However, specific descriptors of the feel for the Botany are missing, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat unknown. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White is designed to offer a mild typing experience; its gentle actuation and smooth travel create a satisfying yet approachable feel for most users. With the rare use of a Ly stem, the Neo White enhances its smoothness, which may appeal to those who prioritize a seamless keystroke. Both switches aim to facilitate a positive typing experience, but the Botany may cater to those who prefer more lively feedback, while the Neo White is more suited for users seeking a balanced encounter.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp sound and potentially vibrant feel, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch features a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Depending on your preferences for auditory and tactile feedback, either could serve your needs well. If you're leaning towards a more engaging auditory experience, the Botany would be the way to go, whereas if you favor smoothness and a balanced profile, the Neo White would be more appropriate. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, just tailored to different tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter keypress with a vibrant, clacky sound, the Botany switches are an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback while typing. The 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suitable for users who type long hours or enjoy a more responsive feel. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams, the Neo White switches offer a smooth and satisfying keystroke due to their unique Ly stem design. This may appeal to users who prefer a neutral sound profile that doesn't overpower, making it versatile for both work and leisure. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a lively sound and lighter touch of the Botany, or the smooth, mild keystroke of the Neo White that provides a more refined and controlled typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
