Akko Botany vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Outemu Black offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clackiness, providing immediate auditory feedback that can enhance the enjoyment of typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch, while also a linear option, does not boast a distinct sound profile, making it a more understated choice for those who prefer a quieter setup. Users seeking a more engaging and expressive typing experience might gravitate towards the Botany, while those looking for smooth and unobtrusive keystrokes might find the Outemu Black more appealing. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and Outemu Black switches, significant differences can be observed, particularly with regard to their top housings. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity. This stiffer material contributes to a sharper and more defined sound profile, producing a higher-pitched and crisper audio experience. As such, while both switches utilize housing materials with unique acoustic properties, they will elicit distinctly different auditory responses during typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Akko Botany and Outemu Black are made from nylon, creating alignment in terms of sound characteristics at this level. Nylon’s soft composition in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are bottomed out. As a result, users can expect consistent audio performance from both switches' bottom housings, providing a similar auditory foundation when pressing keys down. This shared material can contribute to a cohesive typing experience, with the bottom-end impact from each switch remaining relatively consistent due to the common use of nylon.
Ultimately, the overall sound profile and typing experience of the two switches will be shaped significantly by their top housings, given their contrasting materials. While the nylon bottom housing ensures that both the Akko Botany and Outemu Black deliver a deep, rounded sound when keys bottom out, the differences in the top materials will result in varied auditory feedback upon release. Users interested in a fuller sound might prefer the Akko Botany, while those who favor clarity and a sharper sound profile may gravitate towards the Outemu Black. Thus, even though the bottom housings are the same, the unique qualities of the top housings lead to contrasting experiences when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch is significantly heavier, with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users might find preferable for its tactile feedback. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch will lean towards the Akko Botany for easier key presses, while those who enjoy the feel of a heavier switch should opt for the Outemu Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a distinct difference: the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Black offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Akko Botany is designed to provide a slightly shorter actuation distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more responsive experience. Conversely, the Outemu Black's longer travel distance caters to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel and deeper keystrokes, reflecting a traditional preference among some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing styles and preferences, with the Botany's shorter distance making it ideal for fast-paced interactions, whereas the Black is suited for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 stands out with its crisp, lively clacky sound that can be quite appealing, creating an engaging auditory experience while typing. This characteristic is particularly attractive to users who appreciate a bit more feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specific sound profile noted, which suggests it is more muted compared to the Botany. This lack of distinct sound might be advantageous for those seeking a quieter typing experience or working in environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, the sound experience will also depend on the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches are typically described as providing a smooth and engaging typing experience that many typists and gamers find satisfying. The linear nature of the switch contributes to an uninterrupted key press without tactile bumps or clicks, making for a more fluid motion. Meanwhile, the Outemu Black switches are also linear, known for a consistent feel throughout the entire key press. However, without additional details on their specific tactile characteristics, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison. Users of both switches can expect a similar linear typing feel, ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing, though the nuances might vary.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch offers a distinct and lively sound profile coupled with a smooth feel, the Outemu Black linear switch may provide a more subdued auditory experience and a comparable linear feel. For users seeking that crisp sound, the Botany is an excellent choice, while those prioritizing quietness in their setup may prefer the Outemu Black. Ultimately, both switches cater well to different preferences, and users can achieve satisfying performance from either option based on their own typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and tactile feedback. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke that produces a crisp, lively clacky sound, the Akko Botany is the more suitable option, especially if you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying auditory experience straight out of the box. This makes it ideal for typing or gaming sessions where you want to enjoy a responsive and engaging feel without much effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer resistance with a heavier actuation force, the Outemu Black switch would be the better choice. Its significantly heavier bottom-out force provides a sturdier typing experience, which can enhance precision during typing or gaming. However, it’s worth noting that the Black switch lacks distinctive sound characteristics, which may not appeal to those who enjoy the sound feedback provided by the Botany. Ultimately, assess your comfort level with keystroke resistance and the importance of sound in your typing experience to make the best selection for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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