Akko Botany vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options stand out: the Akko Botany and the Cherry Nixie, both of which are linear switches that offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound, making them a delightful choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches have earned a revered status within the keyboard community, known for their substantial heft and a textured typing experience that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. While the Botany switches make a bold statement with their sound profile, the Nixie switches offer a softer, thocky feel that appeals to users who prioritize tactile feedback and comfort. Both have their own charm and purpose, catering to different preferences among typists. 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
63.5g
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
Yes
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Akko Botany and the Cherry Nixie share a defining similarity: both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice of material is significant because nylon is heralded for its ability to produce a rich and deep sound profile during typing. With the inherent softness of nylon, both switches benefit from enhanced sound dampening qualities, resulting in a fuller auditory experience. This shared feature ensures that users of both switches can expect a rounded and subdued sound compared to those made with harder plastics, highlighting nylon’s effectiveness in creating a more pleasant typing environment.
Despite the similarities in the materials used, the Akko Botany and Cherry Nixie may still provide slightly different tactile experiences due to potential variances in design or other elements. While both switches utilize nylon for their housings, these differences could manifest in key feel or responsiveness. For instance, even with identical material properties, aspects such as spring tension, housing shape, or even weight could influence how a typist perceives the switch. However, with both the Botany and Nixie constructed from nylon, the resultant auditory experience will likely be comparably satisfying, amplifying the distinct sound profiles inherent to each, thus creating a consistent auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the choice of nylon for both the Akko Botany and the Cherry Nixie ensures that, irrespective of any nuanced divergences in their operational feel, users can anticipate similar acoustic characteristics. The emphasis on nylon's sound-absorbing qualities allows both switches to excel in producing a deep and full soundscape as users type. While variations in design may affect the tactile response, the nylon material remains the pivotal element that ties the two models together, ensuring that both yield a rich auditory experience that fabricates the essence of modern mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Nixie switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. This disparity indicates that the Botany is the lighter option, while the Nixie is the heavier switch. Users seeking a comfortable, less straining typing experience would likely lean towards the Botany, while those who enjoy a firmer push will gravitate towards the Nixie. The differing forces allow users to tailor their keyboard choice based on their typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in key feel and response. The Akko Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter of the two switches, while the Cherry Nixie has a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more traditional and deeper keypress experience. For those who prioritize rapid response times, the Botany's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Nixie's longer travel distance could be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and a satisfying depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for responsiveness versus key travel 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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 is well-regarded for its crisp, lively clacky sound, which provides an energetic auditory experience right out of the box. This quality makes it appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound characterized by a deep, rich tone that adds a soft "thud" feel during keystrokes. While both switches can create satisfying auditory experiences, the Botany tends toward a higher, more lively pitch, while the Nixie resonates with a more muted, bass-heavy tone. The final sound characteristics will ultimately vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap material.
Regarding feel, the Akko Botany switch's tactile qualities are not explicitly detailed, leaving some ambiguity about who might enjoy this specific switch. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its textured experience, providing noticeable friction as keys are pressed. Some users appreciate this subtle texture, which can enhance the typing experience by offering a tactile reference during use. If you prefer smooth, friction-free typing, the Nixie may not suit your preferences, while the feel of the Botany remains uncertain.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Cherry Nixie linear switches excel in unique ways—each boasting distinctive audio and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Botany shines with its crisp sound, the Nixie emphasizes a low-pitched thock, adding a rich auditory dimension. The feel of the Nixie is textured, inviting users to enjoy the tactile feedback, whereas the characteristics of the Botany remain unspecified. When choosing between them, it is crucial to consider your sonic and tactile preferences in order to select the switch that will provide the most satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, the Botany is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it great for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a more lively typing experience characterized by its crisp and clacky sound. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feel with a weightier keypress, the Cherry Nixie, with its heavier 80-gram bottom-out force, may be more to your liking. The Nixie’s textured feel and thocky, low-pitched acoustics provide a satisfying and rich typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. Ultimately, whether you favor a lighter, more playful touch or a deeper, heftier feedback will guide your decision. Consider also the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard: if sound is a concern in shared spaces, you might lean towards the quieter, sharper tones of the Botany. Conversely, if you're embracing a more immersive typing experience at home, the satisfying thock of the Nixie could be ideal. In the end, choosing the right switch is about finding what resonates with your tactile and auditory preferences.
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