Akko Botany vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct features that can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and crisp, lively clacky sound, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback without the interruption of tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and comfort, appealing to those who prefer a more engaging and tactile feel. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Botany for those who appreciate fluidity and sound, and the Crystal Brown for those who seek tactile feedback for precise typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Akko Botany and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience of each switch. The Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition. This softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound experience. This distinction not only impacts the personality of the sound produced during key presses but also reinforces the aesthetic aspect, as the polycarbonate material is translucent and enhances the visibility of RGB lighting, making it a favorable choice for users who prioritize visual appeal alongside auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Botany and the Crystal Brown switches share similarities, as they both incorporate nylon materials. This uniformity ensures that the impact of the bottom housing on sound characteristics remains consistent. As nylon is known for its ability to promote a deeper and rounder sound profile, both switches will elicit similar auditory results in this aspect. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the feel and sound produced when bottoming out a key, users can expect comparable experiences when actuating both switches, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
The overall sound and feel of each switch arise from the interplay between their unique top and bottom housing materials. The Akko Botany, with its nylon top housing and nylon bottom, leans toward a muffled, rounded auditory profile that emphasizes a clunky comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown leverages its polycarbonate top housing's clarity while still benefiting from the nylon bottom housing's depth to achieve a more diverse acoustic experience. This blend of materials ultimately highlights how switches can be designed to cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a style that resonates with their typing habits, whether they seek the comforting warmth of the Botany or the crisp clarity of the Crystal Brown.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a lightweight feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Botany switch is the lighter option, allowing for easier keypresses, while the Crystal Brown provides a firmer push response. Both switches exhibit a noticeable difference in feel and resistance, catering to varying preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we see a clear distinction: the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown extends to 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Botany switch is shorter, offering a more responsive feel that can appeal to gamers looking for quick key presses. In contrast, the Crystal Brown, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more traditional tactile experience, which some users might find more satisfying or comfortable. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced actuation depth.
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 Crystal Brown 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 is best known for producing a crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an auditory feedback that enhances their typing experience. This prominent sound profile can contribute to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction while typing, making it more engaging. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a distinct sound profile that is widely recognized. This absence of characteristic sound means that the Crystal Brown may provide a more subdued auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer quieter or less pronounced sound feedback.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Akko Botany linear switch is celebrated for its smooth and consistent keystroke, providing a satisfying linear action that allows for rapid key presses without any tactile bumps or resistance. This makes it ideal for gaming and fast typing, where uninterrupted flow is essential. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a tactile bump at the actuation point, giving users physical feedback with each keystroke. This tactile sensation can help typists feel more connected to their typing, as the switch provides a definitive point to indicate that a key has been registered, making it suitable for those who appreciate a balance between typing and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its lively sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch may appeal to users looking for a more muted auditory experience coupled with a tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference; if you favor the vibrant auditory feedback and a seamless experience, the Botany is a strong option, whereas the Crystal Brown will suit those who enjoy tactile sensations without the accompanying sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch and prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke along with a lively, clacky sound, the Akko Botany switches would likely be a great fit for you. These switches excel in providing a satisfying auditory feedback right out of the box, making them ideal for users who appreciate an engaging typing experience—especially if you tend to type quickly or enjoy gaming where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more solid tactile response, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch with its slightly heavier actuation might be your go-to. Although it comes with no distinctive sound or prominent features, its medium-light resistance offers a nice balance for users who favor a tactile feel without the need for audible feedback. Ultimately, the decision should reflect whether you favor the crisp sound and lighter feel of the Botany or the reliably weighted tactile experience provided by the Crystal Brown.
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