Akko Botany vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Outemu Maple Leaf offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is best known for its crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Its smooth keystrokes provide a seamless experience, allowing for rapid key presses without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf is categorized as a tactile switch, designed for users who prefer a noticeable feedback sensation with every keystroke. While it lacks distinct auditory characteristics, the tactile bump helps typists feel when their keys actuate, potentially enhancing typing accuracy. Both switches cater to unique user needs: the Botany is ideal for those who appreciate sound and smoothness, while the Maple Leaf is suited for individuals who benefit from tactile feedback. 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 Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Akko Botany and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is a notable similarity that influences their sound profiles and typing experiences. Nylon, known for being a classic switch housing material, offers a unique auditory characteristic that is highlighted in both designs. The use of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as this material is notably softer than many harder plastics. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, producing a duller and rounder acoustic experience, which both switches share, thereby providing users with a satisfying auditory feedback whenever they engage with these switches.

While both the Botany and Maple Leaf switches feature identical materials in their top and bottom housings, their design nuances may yield unique tactile experiences. Since the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel during a keystroke, and the top housing impacts the sound created when releasing a key, the overall typing experience will depend on how each switch is tuned and adjusted beyond just material considerations. Given that both switches share the same nylon composition, it is plausible they would deliver comparably weighted feedback and acoustic properties, yet slight variations in configuration and design can create a distinctive touch and sound for each switch.

In conclusion, the shared nylon material in the Akko Botany and Outemu Maple Leaf switches sets a foundational similarity regarding their acoustic performance and tactile feedback. The profound resonating qualities brought by nylon enhance the typing experience by delivering that deep, rounded sound profile. Thus, while the switches might operate under similar acoustic pretexts due to their materialization, individual design elements could lead to subtle yet important distinctions in feel and sound, giving users a reason to explore each option further based on personal preference and typing style.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a clear difference in both 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 well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who relish a more substantial typing experience. With the Botany being lighter overall, it is likely to appeal to users who favor a quick and effortless keystroke, while the Maple Leaf’s medium-heavy weight is better suited for typists who enjoy a firmer push back. In summary, if you prefer less resistance and longer typing sessions, the Akko Botany is the better choice, while the Outemu Maple Leaf provides a stronger feedback for a more robust feel.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Botany switch requires a slightly greater distance to activate compared to the Maple Leaf. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may provide an advantage, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing might gravitate towards the Botany switch, which offers a deeper keystroke experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding tactile feedback and response time, with the Botany switch being the longer option and the Maple Leaf being the shorter.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp and lively clacky tone that resonates upon typing. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile noted, leaving its acoustic qualities relatively undefined. It’s important to keep in mind that the overall sound experience can also vary significantly based on the keyboard construction, materials, and keycap selection, which could influence both switches' performances in different setups.

In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switch is recognized for its smooth linear action, providing an uninterrupted and fluid typing experience that many typists appreciate. This can enhance the speed and responsiveness of typing, especially for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is tactile, meaning it likely features a noticeable bump that offers feedback during a key press. This tactile response can aid typists in recognizing actuation points without bottoming out, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy that palpable confirmation of their keystrokes.

In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch offers a prominent sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch provides a distinct tactile feedback that some users may prefer. If sound is a key factor for you, the Botany will deliver a lively clack, while the Maple Leaf might require further exploration to define its acoustic qualities. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you value auditory feedback or tactile responsiveness more in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that is both fast and responsive, the Akko Botany with its 45-gram bottom out force may be the ideal option for you. Its crisp, lively clacky sound and smooth feel make it an excellent choice for gamers or typists looking for quick actuation and a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, if you appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback that encourages firm keystrokes, the Outemu Maple Leaf, with its heavier 65-gram bottom out force, would serve you well. While it lacks the same level of sound character as the Botany, its tactile bump provides a more defined typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a steadier, perhaps more deliberate pace while typing or programming. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value lightness and acoustics or substance and tactile sensation in your mechanical typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more