Akko Botany vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the Akko Botany and BSUN Olive switches. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lively, clacky sound profile, making it an enticing option for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bump. This makes it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who enjoy rapid key presses and a straightforward feel. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switch is a tactile switch known for its pronounced tactile feedback and resonant, deep sound, thanks to its unique design and all-POM housing. With its medium weight, the Olive switch delivers a satisfying bump and a sharp bottom-out, which can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more pronounced physical feedback during their typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. 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

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Bsun Olive differ significantly, with the Botany utilizing nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Olive employs POM for the same components. Nylon, as a classic housing material, is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition. This softness allows the material to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. In contrast, POM, while also capable of delivering a rich auditory experience, tends to create a sound profile that is pleasing but more unique and somewhat muted. This distinction suggests that while both switches provide a satisfying keystroke experience, their sound characteristics differ markedly due to the inherent properties of the materials used.

When examining the bottom housing, the differences between nylon and POM continue to play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in the Botany enriches the depth of sound and provides a rounded feel when bottoming out. In comparison, the Olive's POM bottom housing, while also capable of contributing to a deeper sound, produces a muted audio experience that may appeal to those who prefer a softer impact during keystrokes. Therefore, the nuances in sound and feedback generated by the bottom housing materials reflect on the typing experience, where the Botany's nylon may feel slightly more pronounced in sound, while the Olive’s POM offers a subtler auditory cue.

Despite the differences in materials, both the Akko Botany and Bsun Olive can yield similar results in the overall typing experience, albeit through varied auditory and tactile feedback. The interplay of the top and bottom housing can complicate the sound profile; the Nylon housing of the Botany may contribute to the key release sound while the POM housing of the Olive achieves a pleasingly muted experience. Ultimately, the combined effects of the distinct housing materials in each switch highlight the unique tactile and acoustic qualities, leading to individual preferences among users when choosing between the two. Thus, while the compositions vary, both switch designs can provide satisfying and effective performance tailored to personal typing styles.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch present distinct characteristics regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, contributing to a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Olive switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial tactile response and may be preferred by users seeking a firmer push feel. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Botany switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Olive switch is significantly heavier at 65 grams. Consequently, the Botany switch is overall the lighter option, suitable for those who favor prolonged use, while the Olive switch caters to those seeking a more robust keystroke. Both switches offer unique benefits based on user preference, with the Botany promoting ease and comfort, and the Olive enhancing tactile feedback and resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the differences are notable. The Botany switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more abrupt and responsive keystroke, the Olive switch would be your choice due to its shorter travel distance, which may benefit gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Botany switch, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Botany switch is ideal for those who value a hearty keystroke, while the Olive switch caters to those who appreciate quickness and immediacy.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound that stands out and adds an element of brightness to the typing experience. This auditory signature makes it particularly engaging, especially for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch delivers a resonant, deep sound thanks to its all-POM housings, creating a richer auditory experience. The deeper tone of the Olive can provide a different character compared to the Botany, giving it a satisfying layer of depth. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, meaning users may experience variations in sound that could enhance or dampen these characteristics.

When considering the feel, the Botany switch offers a general smoothness expected from a linear switch, allowing for an uninterrupted experience that is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. In contrast, the Olive switch offers a medium tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being too subtle and overwhelmingly pronounced. It features an invigorating feel with a sharp tactile bump that provides a distinct sensation upon actuation. The Olive's tactile feedback is prominent yet not overpowering, contributing to a responsive feeling with each keypress, creating a more immersive typing experience. This combination of tactility and resistance in the Olive also aligns it with being snappy and reactive, enhancing its overall user experience.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Bsun Olive switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Botany is celebrated for its crisp sound and smooth, linear feel, making it excellent for users who favor quieter and faster typing. In contrast, the Olive excels in delivering a rich auditory experience alongside pronounced tactile feedback that is invigorating and sharp. Ultimately, users seeking similar results in tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Oliveira due to its richer sound profile and pronounced tactile sensations. Your choice would depend on whether you prefer a smoother, linear experience or a more tactile and auditory engagement with your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you desire. If you favor a lighter actuation force and a lively, clacky sound right out of the box, the Botany switches are an excellent choice. They're ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience without the added resistance of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feedback with a pronounced tactile sensation and a resonant, deep sound, the Olive switches might be more suited to you. Their medium-heavy actuation force and unique tactile feedback create an immersive experience that is both comforting and satisfying, particularly for those who enjoy a pronounced bump in their keypresses. Ultimately, consider what feels best for your typing style and sound preference, and you’ll be on your way to selecting the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more