Akko Botany vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Outemu Milk Tea present distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and lively clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive feel without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, categorized as a tactile switch, provides a satisfying feedback bump at the actuation point, allowing users to enjoy a more pronounced connection with each keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and comfort for those who prefer a tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to individual preference for sound and feel; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Outemu Milk Tea switches exhibit distinct differences, particularly in their top housings. The Botany utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer quality that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea features a Ly top housing, a newer material that creates a brighter sound signature, characterized by resonant clacks during typing. The divergence in material not only influences the sound profile but also the overall typing experience; the Botany's nylon provides a smooth, softer response, while the Milk Tea offers a sharper, more pronounced feedback with each keystroke.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Botany and Milk Tea models are equipped with nylon material. This shared choice means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound during the bottom-out phase of typing. Nylon's qualities help absorb sound and minimize harsh impacts, meaning users can expect a similar sound experience when pressing the keys. While the top housing characteristics of each switch significantly affect the sound produced upon releasing a key, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both models maintain some level of acoustic cohesion. This shared material serves as a stabilizing element, allowing for a common baseline sound profile that can appeal to users looking for a pleasant typing experience.
In summary, the primary contrast between the Akko Botany and the Outemu Milk Tea lies in their top housing materials. The Botany’s nylon top is geared towards creating a muted sound profile, while the Milk Tea’s Ly top projects brighter, resonant sounds. However, both switches incorporate nylon as their bottom housing material, aligning their bottom-out sounds and feelings. This combination of materials showcases how varying top housing compositions can yield different sound profiles while still sharing a foundational sound quality provided by the nylon bottom housing, resulting in unique yet related typing experiences across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces highlight their differences in typing experience. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to press down, which is beneficial for users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Tea tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile response during typing. The bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is unavailable, while the Botany's bottom out force is 45 grams, indicating that it provides feedback upon full depression. This means that if you choose the Akko Botany, you'll get a lighter and more responsive experience, while the Outemu Milk Tea offers a heavier touch that some may find more satisfying. Overall, the Botany is the lighter option here, appealing to those who favor ease of use in extended sessions, while the Milk Tea caters to those who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This slight difference in travel distance highlights the contrasting preferences for switch feel among users; the Botany's shorter distance may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, while the Milk Tea’s longer travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper key press. Consequently, those who favor the Botany switch might appreciate its faster actuation, while those who opt for the Milk Tea switch may value the satisfying depth it offers during typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
The Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound signature, creating an engaging auditory experience that can enhance typing satisfaction. This sound profile can significantly influence the keyboard experience, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a specific sound quality highlighted, it's important to recognize that every switch’s auditory characteristics can be affected by additional factors such as the materials used in the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps involved. Thus, while the Botany has a distinct sound, the Milk Tea's sound remains to be explored further.
When it comes to feel, the Botany linear switch delivers a smooth and consistent typing experience, favoring users who prefer minimal tactile feedback throughout the keypress. This results in a seamless stroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a fluid typing motion. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers a noticeable bump during actuation, providing tactile feedback that can be satisfying and beneficial for typists who rely on feeling the point of actuation. This difference in tactile sensation can cater to different preferences, with the Botany being better suited for linear enthusiasts and the Milk Tea appealing to those who appreciate tactile cues.
In conclusion, the Akko Botany linear switch excels in providing a lively sound and a smooth feel, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers a tactile bump that enhances typing feedback. If you're looking for a more auditory experience, the Botany will deliver, whereas the Milk Tea will satisfy those who enjoy tactile sensations while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feedback, and trying both in a suitable keyboard setting will help you discover which qualities resonate with you more.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you enjoy a smooth, lively feel with a crisp and clacky sound, the Botany switch, with its lighter 45 grams bottom-out force, might be your best bet. This switch is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback without any particular sound profile, even though we don't have specific details about the Milk Tea, it’s known for its smooth tactile response that allows for a more controlled typing experience. If you value feeling the actuation point and enjoy a more subtle auditory environment, the Milk Tea would be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize sound and a lighter feel, or whether you prefer the tactile sensation for a more deliberate typing experience.
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