Akko Botany vs. Outemu Cream Blue

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Outemu Cream Blue present two distinct options that cater to different user preferences. The Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and relatively quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience or work in quieter environments. Its crisp, lively clack adds a touch of character to the keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that delights typists with its pronounced tactile feedback and audible click, providing a satisfying sensation that's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the sound and feel of each keystroke, reminiscent of classic typewriters. While the Botany excels in its smoothness and subtlety, the Cream Blue attracts users looking for a more engaging and lively typing experience. 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

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Outemu Cream Blue switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, which is characteristic of many high-quality switches. The consistent use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings in these switches contributes to a similar acoustic profile, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's unique properties; being a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound compared to harder plastics, which results in a mellower auditory experience. When typing on either switch, users can expect a gratifying audio feedback that is less harsh and more rounded, regardless of the specific nuances that may be present in each switch's design.

While both the Botany and Cream Blue switches share the same housing materials, the overall feel and performance experience can still vary subtly. The Botany's nylon top and bottom housings provide a uniform sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prioritize a cohesive typing experience. Conversely, if there were to be differences in the design or internal mechanisms of the switches—such as the springs or stem types—their performance might differ in terms of actuation force or travel distance. Nonetheless, because both switches leverage the damping qualities of nylon, users will remain within a similar realm of acoustic depth and overall smooth operation.

Ultimately, if the Akko Botany and Outemu Cream Blue switches were equipped with differing top and bottom housings, the individual contributions of these components would still harmonize with each other. The bottom housing would play a pivotal role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing would influence the sound when releasing a key. However, because both switches utilize nylon for all their housing components, they will inherently produce similar sound profiles and tactile experiences. Regardless of subtle design variations, the nylon material ensures that users enjoy a consistently rich auditory experience throughout their typing sessions.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This increased resistance offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push feel. Consequently, those who favor a lighter touch would gravitate towards the Botany switch, while those who appreciate a heavier switch would be better served by the Cream Blue. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces provide distinct experiences based on user preferences in typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the Botany has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue measures at 4 mm. This means that the Botany switch may provide a slightly snappier response, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Cream Blue, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a heavier feel and tactile feedback when typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes responsiveness and faster key presses, the Akko Botany would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue might be preferable for those who favor a more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp and lively clacky noise, making it an engaging choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This auditory characteristic lends itself to a dynamic typing experience, especially in applications where the sound can enhance the tactile joy of keyboard interactions. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have a well-documented sound profile, which makes it difficult to compare directly. However, clicky switches generally produce a distinct and sharp click sound at the actuation point, adding to the auditory feedback that typists often seek.

When it comes to feel, the Botany linear switch provides a smooth actuation with minimal resistance, allowing for fluid typing without the tactile bump commonly found in other switch types. This feature is desirable for gamers and typists who prefer rapid key presses without interruption. In contrast, the Cream Blue clicky switch offers a tactile bump accompanied by a pronounced click sound upon actuation, providing clear feedback with each keystroke. This tactile and auditory response can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical typing feel.

In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch offers a crisp and lively sound with a smooth feel, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is recognized more for its tactile feedback and the potential for a distinct auditory experience. If sound is a priority, the Botany will deliver an engaging auditory experience from the start, while the Cream Blue may offer a more traditional clicky profile though less is known about its sound quality specifically. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, quieter typing experience or a clicky, tactile interaction that enhances the classic feel of typing.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in a typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth feel and enjoy a more muted sound profile, the Botany is an excellent choice. The 45 grams of actuation force makes it perfect for long typing sessions, allowing for effortless keystrokes without finger fatigue, and its crisp sound adds a lively element to your typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and appreciate the satisfying click that comes with each keystroke, the Cream Blue switch, with its 65 grams bottom-out force, may be more suitable for you. This switch caters to those who love to hear and feel the mechanical action of their keyboard, making every press engaging. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, programming, or general typing—to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more