Akko Botany vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, different options can appeal to various preferences and uses. The Akko Botany switch, known for its crisp and lively clacky sound, is particularly favored by gamers and typists who enjoy a more responsive auditory feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean, while also a linear switch, is designed to minimize noise, making it an attractive choice for users who work in shared spaces or prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear action that is ideal for fast typing and gaming, but they present distinct auditory experiences that can greatly influence your typing environment. 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 Silent Ocean Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Akko Botany and Outemu Silent Ocean switches exhibit notable contrasts in their composition and sonic characteristics, particularly at the top housing level. The Botany features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a duller, rounder tone that adds a warm quality to the typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ocean incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which, due to its stiffer nature, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The clear translucency of polycarbonate often enhances the aesthetic appeal in RGB setups, making it a popular choice for those seeking not only sound superiority but also visual vibrancy in their keyboard builds.

As we shift to the bottom housings, there's a surprising alignment between the Akko Botany and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both utilizing nylon material for this part. The choice of nylon here ensures that the deep and full sound profile that typists experience remains consistent, whether engaged in high-speed typing or leisurely keystrokes. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound similarly to the top part in the Botany, significantly impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. This parallel between the two switches suggests that while there is a divide in the top housing materials leading to differing sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing provides a grounding element in both switches that enhances a plush and rich auditory experience.

Ultimately, the distinct materials used in the top housings of the Botany and Silent Ocean create two vastly different auditory environments, while their shared nylon bottom housings unify the feel and deep sound characteristics. When pressing the keys, users can expect the softer nylon to maintain a comforting, subdued auditory backdrop, regardless of the top housing's effect. This blend allows switch users to appreciate both the unique sharpness of the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate and the rounded depth of the Botany's nylon through a cohesive tactile experience. Therefore, while the top housings bring variations in sound profile, the commonality in bottom housing material ensures a consistent and enjoyable typing feel across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, notable differences in force characteristics emerge. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Ocean switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Botany is 45 grams, while the Silent Ocean reaches a more robust bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Botany switch remains lighter overall compared to the Silent Ocean, which can feel more solid and possibly fatigue-inducing over long periods. Therefore, for users who appreciate a lighter typing experience, the Akko Botany would be the better choice, while those who desire a heavier push will lean towards the Outemu Silent Ocean.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we find that the Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ocean offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Botany switch is the shorter option, which may provide faster response times—beneficial for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance allows for a more traditional feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you value rapid input or a more substantial keystroke feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch delivers a crisp and lively clacky note that adds character to each keystroke, making it an engaging option for typists and gamers alike. The auditory feedback straight out of the box can provide a satisfying experience, particularly when paired with the right keycaps and keyboard setup. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a well-defined sound profile noted, which suggests that it likely prioritizes a quieter typing experience over pronounced acoustics. However, it is essential to remember that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction and the keycap material, so both switches might still yield interesting results depending on your configuration.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is characterized by a lively and responsive typing sensation, often praised for its snappy actuation that keeps typing smooth and enjoyable. This kind of feedback can enhance both gaming and typing performance, providing a sense of engagement with every keystroke. Meanwhile, the Silent Ocean's tactile qualities remain somewhat ambiguous, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, linear switches generally provide a smooth and uninterrupted key press, which might give the Silent Ocean a more consistent feel, appealing to those who prefer a less tactile and more fluid typing experience.

Overall, while the Akko Botany linear switch stands out for its distinctive sound and lively feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean’s characteristics are less defined, particularly in sound. If you’re looking for an engaging auditory experience and responsive typing, the Botany switch is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer typing quietly and without pronounced sound, the Silent Ocean could still offer a satisfactory experience depending on the overall keyboard setup. Ultimately, personal preference will heavily dictate which switch suits you best, so it may be worthwhile to try both options to determine your ideal typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Botany switch is an excellent choice. It offers a lively and crisp sound, making it particularly enjoyable for typing and gaming, especially if you like auditory feedback. The Botany's tactile sensation enhances your overall experience, making it suitable for those who relish a vibrant keypress feel. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Silent Ocean switch may be the better fit. This medium-heavy switch caters to users who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing, offering a unique typing experience albeit without a distinct auditory signature. It could be especially favorable in quieter environments where noise control is a priority. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value lighter, more responsive switches with audio feedback or prefer a heavier, more subdued typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more