Akko Botany vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer distinctive experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Botany switches from Akko are recognized for their lively, clacky sound, delivering a bit of auditory excitement with every keystroke, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced aural feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide an impeccably smooth typing feel, accompanied by a neutral sound signature that appeals to users seeking a quieter and more refined experience. Both switches fall into the linear category, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a consistent resistance throughout the keypress without tactile bumps. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and the Haimu Orange Sea switches differ significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which shapes the acoustic experience of each switch. The Botany employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer, more absorbent qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that muffles higher frequencies, yielding a warmer typing experience. On the contrary, the Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, imparting a sharper, crisper sound. The stiffer polycarbonate allows for greater resonance, creating a more pronounced tonal clarity that enhances the overall auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches serve the same function, the material differences lead to distinct sound profiles that can dramatically alter user experience during typing.

In contrast, both switches share similar material for their bottom housing, made of nylon. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, the Botany and Orange Sea will generate a similar sound profile when key presses bottom out. Nylon's inherently softer properties contribute to a rounder and more muted sound that can cushion the impact noise when the key is fully pressed down. Hence, users of both switches can expect a consistent and enjoyable sound experience on the bottom end of the keystroke, reflecting the deeper and fuller profile that nylon is known for.

Ultimately, the interaction of the different housing materials in the Botany and Orange Sea switches creates a unique acoustic signature for each. The contrasting top housing materials result in distinctly different sound characteristics when releasing keys, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent bottoming sound across both models. This blend of high-pitched clarity from the polycarbonate and the low-frequency depth from the nylon bottom allows enthusiasts to choose a switch according to their preferred typing experience, knowing that each switch brings its own flavor to the auditory feedback of key presses. Thus, while the contrasting top materials lead to differing sound profiles, the nylon bottoms anchor both in a familiar, satisfying acoustic ground.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch with the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation forces, with the Botany requiring 38 grams and the Orange Sea slightly less at 37 grams. This minimal difference suggests that users could experience similar typing performance regarding actuation, meaning that either switch would be suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to their lighter feel. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that both will feel equally resistant when pressed all the way down. While the Botany is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force, the overall typing experience may not differ significantly for most users. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter switch might be inclined to choose the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke might still find both options appealing despite the minor variations in actuation force.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch. This identical travel distance allows for a comparable response in typing feel and key actuation, making them equally effective for various typing tasks. Ultimately, if you choose either switch, you can anticipate the same level of performance regarding travel distance, providing consistency in keypress feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is recognized for its crisp, lively, and clacky noises, making it quite a stimulating choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is noted for its impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound signature. This suggests that while the Botany provides a more pronounced acoustic presence, the Orange Sea leans towards a more subdued aural experience, catering to users who prefer a quieter environment. It’s essential to keep in mind that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard’s build and choice of keycaps.

When discussing the feel of these switches, the Akko Botany offers a specific tactile response that engages users with a pleasant, lively typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth operation, suggesting a seamless transition between key presses. This difference may appeal to individuals looking for a more fluid typing experience rather than a more engaged tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two could hinge on personal preferences regarding how the switch interacts with their fingers during use.

In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch provides a lively and clacky sound profile, paired with an engaging tactile feel that can elevate the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of auditory excitement. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea prioritizes smoothness in feel and offers a more neutral acoustic signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer quieter operation without sacrificing quality. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, and both options will provide satisfactory results in their respective niches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your personal preferences regarding sound and feel will play a significant role. If you enjoy a switch that offers a crisp, lively, and clacky sound, the Botany is the ideal choice, providing an engaging auditory experience that can enhance your typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, its lively feedback makes it an excellent fit for those who appreciate a bit of personality in their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoothly responsive typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea will likely be more to your liking. Its impeccably smooth feel can provide a tactile delight while maintaining a quieter environment, making it suitable for both working and gaming without drowning out your surroundings. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you lean towards an expressive, vibrant typing experience or a more subdued, fluid feel that allows for prolonged use without distraction.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more