Akko Botany vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Outemu Milk Blue each offer unique appeals tailored to different typing preferences. The Akko Botany, renowned for its smooth linear action, delivers a seamless keystroke that is often preferred by gamers and typists seeking quick, uninterrupted key presses without the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue features a distinct clicky mechanism that provides audible feedback with every keystroke, making it a top choice for users who appreciate the satisfying sound and tactile response typically favored in typing-intensive tasks. While the Botany's smooth operation can enhance speed and gaming performance, the Milk Blue’s clacky sound adds a charming layer of satisfaction for those who enjoy the auditory experience of typing. 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 Milk Blue Clicky

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Outemu Milk Blue switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound effectively. In contrast, the Milk Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and crisper sound characteristic. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a resonant sound profile, making it brighter in tone. This fundamental difference in material means that users will experience unique auditory feedback from each switch, with the Botany offering a mellower experience versus the Milk Blue's more pronounced auditory clarity.

However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both are constructed with nylon. This similarity means that regardless of the differences at the top, when typing on either switch, the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit the deep, full characteristics that nylon provides. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, ensuring that the deeper tones permeate the overall experience for both switches. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound quality that aligns with the benefits associated with the nylon material, creating a harmonious balance between the two switches despite their top housing differences.

Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials across both models showcases how sound profiles can be influenced by design choices. While the top housings create a dichotomy in auditory experience — with the Botany delivering a muted warmth and the Milk Blue a vibrant sharpness — the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures a solid foundation of consistent deeper sound response. Thus, when pressed, both switches will offer a familiar feel and bottom-out sound despite their disparate top housing materials, illustrating how design elements can work together to create a unique yet cohesive typing experience.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch differ significantly in terms of actuation force, with the Botany switch requiring a lighter 38 grams compared to the Milk Blue's heavier 50 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Botany makes it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue over time. In contrast, the Milk Blue’s heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, giving a more tactile response. However, the Milk Blue's bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. With the Botany's bottom out force at 45 grams, users can expect a definitive feedback when they press down completely, enhancing the typing experience. Thus, for those seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Akko Botany is the preferred choice, while more tactile enthusiasts might lean towards the Outemu Milk Blue.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Botany is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Milk Blue's longer travel distance of 4 mm offers a more substantial experience that some users might prefer for a more deliberate typing action. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the shorter travel distance of the Botany switch may feel more abrupt for those who enjoy a deeper pressing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference for responsiveness versus the depth of keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch offers a crisp, lively clacky sound that immediately catches attention with its vibrant acoustics. This characteristic makes it an engaging choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a defined sound profile in the context provided, which means it lacks the specific features that one might associate with a distinct auditory signature. This absence of detailed sound quality allows for speculation, but primarily positions the Botany switch as the more pronounced option in terms of sound.

When it comes to feel, the Botany linear switch is typically characterized by a smooth and consistent keystroke, providing an enjoyable typing experience that many users appreciate for its lack of tactile bumps. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue is recognized for its clicky tactile response, giving users noticeable feedback with each keypress, which can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more interactive sensation with their switches. This fundamental difference in feel caters to varied preferences: smooth and linear versus clicky and tactile.

In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out for its crisp and lively sound, alongside a smooth keystroke that many users find satisfying. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, while lacking a specified sound quality, offers a tactile experience that appeals to users who relish that unmistakable click. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound and feel, and both can provide delightful typing experiences tailored to what you enjoy most.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a smooth and light typing experience with a gentle bottom out force of 45 grams, then the Botany linear switch would be a great fit for you, especially if you appreciate a crisp and lively clacky sound that adds a unique auditory element to your typing. These qualities make the Botany a suitable choice for both typing and gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile typing experience that provides a satisfying click with every keypress, you may want to consider the Milk Blue. While details about its force and sound profile are limited, clicky switches like this are typically favored among those who enjoy a more tactile response and an audible feedback with each keystroke, making them well-suited for typing enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates a classic mechanical feel. Ultimately, weigh your priorities between sound, feel, and typing style to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more