Akko Botany vs. Outemu Dustproof Black

Overview

When considering the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Akko Botany and Outemu Dustproof Black linear switches offer distinct characteristics worth comparing. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound that adds a delightful auditory dimension to each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black lacks specific standout features in sound but excels in its durability and dustproof design, catering to users seeking a more subdued and reliable performance over time. While both switches are linear, meaning they provide a smooth press without tactile bumps, each appeals to different preferences: the Botany for its lively acoustics and the Dustproof Black for its sturdy, practical design. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Black, it is evident that there is a notable contrast between the top housings of these switches. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This quality allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted auditory experience that many typists find pleasing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material leads to a higher-pitched and crisper sound, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Essentially, while the Botany's nylon creates a warm auditory environment, the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate generates a sharp and bright sound profile.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Black utilize nylon, creating a parallel in their performances in that aspect. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and rounder sound characteristic, effectively absorbing sound and dampening noise during typing. This commonality allows both switches to share a certain acoustical harmony, particularly at the bottom of a keystroke. Consequently, while the top housings impart distinctly different auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housings work to unify the sound profile of both switches during the typing experience.

The presence of differing top housings between the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Black leads to an interesting balance of sound characteristics across the entire keystroke. Given that the top housing significantly influences the sound produced upon releasing the key, typists can expect each switch to deliver a unique yet complete auditory experience. The Botany's nylon top absorbs sound to provide a smooth release, whereas the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top enhances the resonance and clarity when letting go of a key. However, since both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housing, they maintain a foundational sound quality, suggesting that the overall auditory profile will still echo a similar depth and roundness, regardless of the contrasts presented by their respective top housings.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a lightweight actuation force of 38 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. The bottom out forces also reflect this disparity, with the Botany bottoming out at 45 grams and the Dustproof Black at 80 grams. Consequently, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, while the Outemu Dustproof Black is the heavier choice. This contrast suggests that users who favor a lighter switch for extended use may lean towards the Botany, while those who prefer a stronger push might opt for the Dustproof Black for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Dustproof Black's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, potentially offering a better experience for those who prefer a hearty depth in their keypresses. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Akko Botany would likely be more suitable, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Black caters to users who enjoy a more traditional and deeper key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch delivers a crisp, lively clacky sound that stands out right from the start. This acoustic signature can add a touch of personality to your typing experience, offering an engaging auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a noted sound profile. As a result, if you value auditory feedback while typing, the Botany switch is likely to provide a more stimulating experience, while the Dustproof Black will be quieter, leading to a more subdued environment.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by its smooth actuation, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. The linear nature means there’s no tactile bump, allowing for fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch lacks a specific description of its feel, which leaves its tactile feedback and actuation smoothness open to interpretation. Users seeking a consistent linear typing experience may prefer the Botany switch, while those considering the Dustproof Black should be prepared for a potentially variable experience.

In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its lively sound and smooth feel, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback in their typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, while less defined in both sound and tactile characteristics, offers a potentially quieter option. Ultimately, if you choose the Botany switch, you can expect a more pronounced sensation and sound, while the Dustproof Black may lead to a more muted but still satisfactory performance.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you favor a lighter key feel, where each keystroke feels nimble and allows for swift typing, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice with its 45-gram bottom out force. You will appreciate its crisp and lively sound profile, which can add a delightful auditory element to your typing experience. This makes the Botany particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more engaging and energetic feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel and are comfortable with increased resistance, the Outemu Dustproof Black with its 80-gram bottom out force might be your go-to. This switch doesn't emphasize sound as much, so expect a more muted experience, focusing instead on a solid, stable feel that can enhance your accuracy and typing comfort over extended periods. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you’re after a lively, lightweight response or a robust, weighty typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more