Akko Botany vs. Outemu Dustproof Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switches each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound that resonates right out of the box, which can enhance the tactile experience for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red switches focus on providing a smooth keystroke experience without the added acoustics, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment. While both switches are linear, differing in sound profile and user experience, each has its own merits that might appeal to distinct types of users—whether you value the lively auditory feedback of the Botany or the stealthy performance of the Dustproof Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Red, a significant distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is partly due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance, creating a more pronounced auditory experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucence makes it an attractive option for RGB lighting setups, as it allows the light to shine through more vividly.

Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a harmonized auditory characteristic when typing. Both nylon bottom housings contribute to the same deeper, rounder sound profile, ensuring consistency in the tactile experience during keystrokes. This inherent quality of nylon helps to absorb impact and sound, demonstrating a similarity between the two switches despite the differences in their top housing materials. Consequently, users of both switches will notice that the richness of the bottom housing's nylon contributes significantly to the keystroke's overall feel and sound, allowing for a more cohesive auditory experience when pressing keys.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and matching bottom housings leads to a nuanced comparison between the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Red. While the nylon top of the Botany provides a softer, more subdued sound, the polycarbonate of the Dustproof Red delivers a crisp and clear audio profile. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a deeper acoustic resonance that enriches the typing experience. Thus, despite their variance in top housing materials, users can achieve satisfactory and satisfying results in both cases, enjoying the respective benefits of each switch design while recognizing the shared qualities of their nylon constructions.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who favor prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. This means that while the Botany is lighter and may allow for easier keystrokes, the Dustproof Red provides a firmer feedback that some may find more satisfying. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch would benefit from the Akko Botany, while those desiring a stronger push should lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it becomes clear that they differ. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Red offers a longer distance at 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a quicker response time and a more tactile feel, the Botany's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to you, particularly for gaming purposes. Conversely, if you like a deeper and more substantial actuation, the Dustproof Red, with its longer travel distance, may suit your needs better. The choice ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding the depth of key presses and the desired responsiveness, as each switch caters to different typing experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp and lively clacky sound, making it a standout option for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory experience while typing. The Botany switches deliver a pleasant acoustic feedback that can enhance the typing experience, giving users a satisfying auditory cue with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch lacks any notable sound characteristics, resulting in a more subdued and quiet operation that might not stand out in the same way. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap material used with either switch.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a smooth and responsive keystroke, offering a delightful typing experience. Users often find the Botany switch to be well-balanced, striking a pleasant equilibrium between resistance and ease of actuation, which can contribute to effective typing and gaming experiences alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is also known for its smoothness, with a straightforward linear feel that allows for uninterrupted keystrokes. Both switches share a linear design, ensuring that there is no tactile bump or click, which makes for a consistent typing experience, but the specifics of resistance and travel distance may contribute to nuances in feel between the two.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a more expressive and engaging sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is likely to be the better choice, while the Outemu Dustproof Red presents a quieter option without notable sound characteristics. When it comes to feel, both switches offer smooth linear performance, making them suitable for a variety of typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preferences for sound, as the feel remains relatively consistent across both options. For those who seek a switch with more auditory feedback, the Botany won’t disappoint, whereas the Dustproof Red provides a minimalist alternative that still delivers a seamless typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Akko Botany linear switch or the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for sound and feel in your typing or gaming experiences. If you appreciate a lighter switch that offers a crisp, lively sound straight out of the box, the Botany is your best choice, especially if you enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback as you type. Its bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it ideal for rapid typing and longer gaming sessions without straining your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust and firm feel under your fingers with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Dustproof Red might be a better fit for you, especially if you value consistent performance without the extra auditory character the Botany provides. While the Dustproof Red doesn’t have a distinct sound profile, its durability and reliability may appeal if you’re looking for a straightforward switching experience. In the end, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and overall comfort level.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more