Akko Botany vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Outemu Peach offer distinct yet appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, providing a more tactile auditory feedback, which can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit of acoustics with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out with its feathery lightweight feel and silenced operation, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience without sacrificing the linear feel. While the Botany's lively sound may appeal to those who enjoy a more auditory experience, the Peach caters to users who value subtlety and a polished touch. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Akko Botany and Outemu Peach switches both utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom components. This consistency in material selection indicates that both switches are designed to deliver a similar auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon used in both the Botany and Peach switches embodies soft plastic properties, which provide enhanced sound absorption compared to harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder sound signature when typing, reinforcing the expectation that users will encounter a satisfying auditory feedback regardless of their switch choice.
Furthermore, since both the Botany and Peach switches employ nylon for their entire housing structure, the qualities imparted by the housing will harmoniously interact during use. While the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, the top housing plays a crucial role in shaping the sound produced upon key release. Given that both switches leverage the same material, users can anticipate a uniform experience in terms of how sound is perceived during both pressing and releasing actions. The cohesive sound profile will appeal to typists looking for a consistent auditory experience across different switch options.
In considering the potential differences in sound and feel that might arise from varying housing materials, the choice of nylon for both the Akko Botany and Outemu Peach ensures that users will likely experience similar results. This is significant for those seeking a predictable and uniform typing experience as both switches share not only the same core material but also the unique acoustic characteristics that arise from it. By investing in nylon housing, both the Botany and Peach switches provide a desirable blend of softness and durability, reinforcing the idea that diverse designs can yield comparable auditory and tactile satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, both offer a light overall typing experience, but they differ slightly in their force measurements. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Peach switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Although both are considered light, the Botany switch is marginally lighter than the Peach, making it potentially better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming due to the lower actuation effort required. In contrast, the Peach's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a firmer feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for longer use, the Akko Botany would be the preferable choice, whereas the Outemu Peach may cater better to users who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Botany switch offers a greater depth, making it a better option for users who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing their keys, potentially providing a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach switch, with its shorter travel distance, will facilitate faster key presses and quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Therefore, if you favor a more responsive experience, the Outemu Peach would be your best choice, while the Akko Botany caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback during use.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 switches deliver a lively and crisp clacky tone that immediately stands out, providing an engaging auditory feedback for typists who enjoy a more expressive typing experience. The Botany's sound profile creates an energetic atmosphere, appealing to those who appreciate a bit of auditory flair in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switches offer a significantly muted sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This soft, quieter sound is ideal for users seeking a more discreet typing experience, particularly in shared environments where noise levels are a concern. The differences in sound between these two switches reflect their respective design philosophies: Botany promotes lively feedback, while Peach focuses on subtlety and silence.
When it comes to the feel, the Akko Botany switch's characteristics are not specifically detailed, but one can infer that its clacky sound likely complements a more pronounced and responsive tactile experience, enhancing the overall engagement during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are defined by their mild, subtle, and polished nature, providing a gentle yet satisfying typing experience. The Peaches cater to those who prefer a lightweight switch that doesn’t compromise on smoothness, with reduced friction and a refined finish. This results in a typing experience that is approachable and comfortable, making them suitable for a wide range of users, including those who may be new to mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the Akko Botany and Outemu Peach switches cater to distinct user preferences in both sound and feel. The Botany showcases a vibrant, clacky sound that energizes the typing experience, while the Peach emphasizes a muted, gentle approach that is both discreet and smooth. While the Botany likely offers a more assertive typing feel, the Peach provides a lightweight and polished option suitable for extended typing sessions. Choosing between these switches will largely depend on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or a more subdued, comfortable tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch will greatly depend on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lightly tactile experience with a crisp, lively sound, the Botany may be the better fit for you, especially if you appreciate the feedback and energy that a clackier switch can provide. It’s ideal for those who enjoy typing with a bit of auditory excitement and don’t mind the added noise. However, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience, the Outemu Peach is your go-to option. With its muted sound profile and gentle feedback, these switches excel in shared or noise-sensitive environments, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. The lighter actuation force of both options makes them suitable for extended typing sessions, but the Peach notably offers a smoother and refined touch that can be especially appealing to linear lovers looking for a more polished typing experience. Ultimately, consider your environment and how you’d like your keyboard to feel and sound, as this will guide your decision between these two excellent switches.
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