Akko Botany vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right one can significantly affect your typing experience, and two options to consider are the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, both linear switches. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound that adds a delightful auditory pleasure to the typing experience, making them an appealing choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean prioritizes a quieter typing experience, providing users with a subtle and serene atmosphere while they work or play, which can be particularly beneficial in shared spaces or for those who prefer a more peaceful setup. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences—whether you value sound feedback or a tranquil environment. 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, the differences in housing materials play a significant role in their overall sound profiles. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, typically favored by users seeking a quieter, more cushioned typing feel. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean employs a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's rigidity enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a crisper auditory feedback when typing. Therefore, if one is looking for a more subdued sound, the Botany’s nylon might be the better choice, while those preferring more pronounced sound characteristics might lean towards the Outemu's polycarbonate top.

On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a choice that harmonizes their performance in this aspect. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches means that both will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down on the keys. This shared characteristic ensures that regardless of the differing top materials, users will still enjoy a consistent auditory experience from the bottom-out sound. As both housing utilize the same material for their lower parts, the resulting sound may offer a level of familiarity, creating a smooth transition between the two switches even with the contrasting top housings.

To summarize, the major distinction between the Akko Botany and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean lies within their respective top housing materials—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter. While the bottom housings share an identical construction, the impact of the differences in the top areas significantly affects the overall sound profile during typing sessions. Thus, users featuring these switches can anticipate a varied sound experience based on their preferences for either deeper tones or crisper sounds. Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in both botany and ocean switches allows for a personalized typing experience while maintaining a common foundation through their nylon bottom housings.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany has a comparatively lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who type frequently or engage in prolonged gaming sessions due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This additional resistance can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for comfort may gravitate towards the Akko Botany, while those desiring a stronger push feel might favor the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it's clear that the Botany switch has a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm compared to the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean. This difference may cater to varying preferences, as the shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean could provide quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking fast actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Botany switch may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, offering a sense of depth while typing. Ultimately, your choice might depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or prefer a more pronounced keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switches are characterized by a crisp, lively clacky noise that enhances the typing experience with an engaging auditory feedback. This sound profile is likely to resonate well with users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switches do not have a specific sound profile noted, which suggests that they may be quieter compared to the Botany switches. However, it’s essential to note that the acoustic performance of either switch can be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used, which means that even a switch with less defined sound characteristics can produce a satisfying auditory experience depending on its setup.

When it comes to tactile feel, the Botany switches provide a lively sensation that can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the tactile sensation of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switches remains unspecified, leaving uncertainty about their feel during keypresses. Generally speaking, linear switches are known for smooth keypresses without tactile bumps or clicks, but without specific information, one can't reliably compare them to the Botany's more defined feeling.

Overall, the Akko Botany linear switches offer an enjoyable sound and a stimulating feel, appealing to those who enjoy a responsive typing experience and want to accentuate the acoustics of their typing. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches, while lacking in specific sound and tactile feedback descriptions, may cater to users seeking a quieter operation. This suggests that if sound and feel are paramount to your typing experience, the Botany would be the preferable choice, while the Ocean could be suitable for those prioritizing silence in their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, personal preference and the specific keyboard setup will play key roles in determining the best switch for individual users.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and prefer a more tactile and pronounced sound with a lively feel, the Botany switch may be the better option for you. It's particularly well-suited for typing environments where a bit of acoustic feedback enhances your experience, making it ideal for gaming and casual typing alike. On the other hand, if you favor a medium-heavy resistance during your keystrokes and seek a quieter typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is designed for those who prioritize discretion and comfort in their typing. This switch is perfect for those who type for extended periods or work in shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Thus, considering your specific needs regarding actuation force, sound, and feel will lead you to the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more