Akko Botany vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Gateron Oil King (V2) present two appealing options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The Botany switches are renowned for their crisp and lively clacky sound, adding a dynamic auditory element to your typing that many find satisfying and invigorating. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to the delightful snap of dark chocolate, offering a deep and polished experience that feels both silky and creamy. While the Botany may be ideal for those who enjoy an engaging aural feedback and a vibrant typing experience, the Oil King caters to users seeking a smooth and low-pitched performance for a more understated and refined 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches utilize nylon for their top housing, which contributes similarly to their auditory characteristics. Nylon is celebrated in the keyboard community for its softer nature compared to harder plastics, allowing these switches to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustical experience that is highly appealing for users seeking a smoother typing experience. Regardless of the brand, the shared use of nylon in the top housing ensures that both switches will provide a conducive environment for creating satisfying sound profiles that typists appreciate.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly, introducing contrasting acoustic effects during use. The Botany features a nylon bottom housing that aligns with its top housing characteristics, assuring continuity in sound and feel. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) employs a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which yields a higher-pitched and clackier sound profile. This differentiation means that while both switches excel at producing a rounded top-out sound due to their nylon tops, the Botany maintains a cohesive auditory quality, whereas the Oil King introduces a distinct clack that appeals to users craving a more assertive keystroke feedback.
In the context of overall switch performance, the impact of housing materials is essential to consider. The Akko Botany's consistency in using nylon for both the top and bottom allows for a seamless transition in sound and typing feel, creating a uniform experience. In stark contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) showcases how diverse materials can lead to a split experience that caters to different user preferences. Typists who enjoy more pronounced feedback may prefer the clack of the Oil King due to its unique bottom housing, while those seeking a subtler sound may gravitate towards the Botany. Understanding these distinctions can help users select switches that best align with their typing preferences, leading to optimized performances across various keyboard builds.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience that can accommodate longer sessions, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel for enhanced tactile feedback. Consequently, while the Botany offers a more delicate touch with its lighter forces, the Oil King delivers a medium-heavy response, providing a different experience calibrated for users who favor increased resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) has a travel distance of 4 mm, offering a more traditional and deeper feel. For gamers or those who favor responsiveness, the Botany's shorter travel distance may feel more suited to quick actions and rapid key presses. Conversely, the Oil King’s longer travel distance provides a more substantial and satisfying key press, which some users may find preferable for typing and general usage. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced 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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 switch delivers a crisp and lively clacky sound, which can provide a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic can enhance the tactile experience for those who appreciate a lively sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) offers a more subdued auditory experience with its low-pitched, bassy tone that resembles the rich sound of a dark chocolate bar snapping. This depth in sound provides a mellow and immersive environment while typing, appealing to users who prefer a quieter yet satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound dynamics, with the Botany catering to those who enjoy sharp acoustics and the Oil King (V2) favoring a softer, deeper resonance.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch is designed to deliver a tactile experience that is lively and responsive, providing a good balance between feedback and smoothness. The Gateron Oil King (V2), on the other hand, takes the experience to another level with its creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics. The typing experience on the Oil King is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly, thanks to the potential factory lubrication and design materials that minimize friction. This creates a polished sensation that is enjoyable for extended typing sessions. Users who prioritize a smooth, refined touch and minimal resistance may find the Oil King (V2) particularly appealing, while those who prefer more tactile feedback may lean towards the Botany switch.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Botany excels in delivering a bright and lively auditory feedback, which stands in contrast to the rich, low-pitched sounds of the Oil King (V2). Similarly, in terms of the typing feel, the Botany offers a responsive touch, whereas the Oil King (V2) provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, tactile feedback, or a blend of both in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Akko Botany linear switches and Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switches hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing pressure. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for quick and responsive keystrokes, the Akko Botany switches might be the better option for you, especially with their crisp and lively sound profile that adds a certain excitement to your typing. These switches also cater well to those who enjoy a more playful auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel under your fingers and a richer, low-pitched auditory experience, the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches are likely to be more satisfying. Their buttery smoothness and creamy texture create an undeniably polished typing experience, which is particularly appealing for extended use or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should come down to whether you value a lighter, more expressive sound with the Botany, or a heavier, smoother experience with the Oil King (V2).
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