Akko Botany vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Outemu Cold Plum switches offer two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Akko Botany is renowned for its crisp and lively clacky sound, creating an engaging auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. The combination of its responsive keystrokes and sound profile makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer a distinct thocky sound profile that sets them apart, alongside their fully nylon construction which contributes to their smooth keystrokes. This switch is particularly favored by those who appreciate a unique typing experience that balances satisfying sound with tactile satisfaction. While both switches cater to linear switch lovers, they each bring different characteristics to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The comparison of housing materials in the Akko Botany and Outemu Cold Plum reveals striking similarities, particularly in the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize nylon as their primary material, which is recognized as a classic choice known for its sound profile characteristics. The softness of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience, effectively absorbing sound and minimizing sharpness. This results in a more muted, rounder sound when typing, creating a pleasant user experience that is consistent across both switch types.

In examining the attributes of the top and bottom housings, we find that the impact of the nylon material is pervasive in both the Akko Botany and Outemu Cold Plum. Since both switches share the same construction materials, they will likely achieve comparable sound profiles and tactile feedback. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, and with nylon being the material of choice for both switches, we can expect a similar resonance when the keys are pressed down. The nylon’s soft nature allows for a gradual interaction with the keypresses, promoting a soothing auditory experience as users type.

Despite the identical choice of nylon, there could still be variations in design or assembly that might affect the overall feel and performance of the switches. For instance, the exact molding or internal structure could lead to subtle differences in actuation force or the tactile response of the switches. Yet, given the same foundational material, users will experience a harmonious sound dampening effect alongside a similar typing experience. Overall, the nylon composition serves as a unifying factor that will undoubtedly yield parallel outcomes in terms of sound quality and tactile sensation for both the Akko Botany and Outemu Cold Plum switches.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there is a noticeable 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 users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for long hours of work or gaming. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback with each keystroke. This heavier feel may enhance typing experience for users who favor a firmer push. Thus, while the Botany switch provides a lighter touch, the Cold Plum switch offers a more robust experience, distinguishing the two options for different preferences in typing and gaming ergonomics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we find that the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cold Plum features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Botany is the longer of the two switches, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a hearty feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cold Plum, with its 3.3 mm travel distance, offers a quicker response, making it suitable for gamers who benefit from faster actuation times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: those seeking a more responsive experience may favor the Cold Plum, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke might opt for the Botany.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is renowned for producing a crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch delivers a unique thocky sound profile, enhanced by its fully nylon construction. This gives the Cold Plum a more subdued, yet satisfying auditory experience. While both switches provide enjoyable sound characteristics, their distinct profiles cater to different preferences; those who enjoy a bouncy and pronounced sound might prefer the Botany, while those seeking a more muted experience with a deeper resonance may gravitate towards the Cold Plum.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches are designed to offer a smooth keystroke, providing a lively and responsive typing experience that many find highly enjoyable. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are similarly praised for their smooth keystroke, coupled with an added layer of satisfaction in their tactile feedback. Both switches are designed to cater to enthusiasts seeking a pleasant typing feel, delivering performance that ensures an engaging interaction whether fast-paced typing or casual usage.

In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches excel in sound and feel, they offer slightly different experiences. The Botany’s crisp and lively clack appeals to those who favor an audible typing experience, while the Cold Plum’s thocky sound delivers a more subdued yet richly satisfying auditory profile. In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth keystroke, making either choice enjoyable for tactile keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on personal sound preferences, as both switches promise an engaging and satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, your preferences in both sound and feel should guide your decision. If you appreciate a lighter touch with a bottom out force of only 45 grams and prefer a crisp, lively clacky sound that adds personality to your typing experience, the Botany switch would be an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming sessions where quick key presses can make a difference. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier, more deliberate keystroke with a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Cold Plum might be the better selection for you. Its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke provide a satisfying and unique typing experience, perfect for enthusiasts who savor each press and enjoy a solid build quality. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and what you value most in a mechanical switch—whether that's a lively sound and lighter feel or a robust sound and more substantial feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more