Akko Botany vs. Outemu Silent White

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Akko Botany and the Outemu Silent White, both of which are linear switches. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound, bringing a refreshing auditory experience to typists and gamers alike, while also offering a smooth keypress feel that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switches focus on providing a quieter typing experience, making them an ideal choice for those who work in shared spaces or prefer not to disturb others while typing. While both switches offer linear characteristics designed for quick and effortless keystrokes, their sound profiles cater to different preferences. 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 White Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When evaluating the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Outemu Silent White switches, a stark contrast can be seen in their top housing composition. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer nature and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile, making each keystroke feel more subdued and rounded. Conversely, the Silent White incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that is significantly stiffer. This material lends itself to a sharper and clearer sound when keys are released, creating a more resonant experience that can accentuate the actuation and release of every key press. Thus, while the Botany offers a muted sound signature that may appeal to users seeking a more acoustic cushion, the Silent White attracts those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback.

Interestingly, both the Botany and Silent White switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. The shared characteristics of nylon in this context means that they will deliver an enriched acoustic experience when pressing the keys. This similarity allows both switches to produce a deeper and more rounded sound profile upon bottoming out, regardless of the distinct top housing materials. As a result, users of both switches can expect a generally consistent feel and feedback during key presses, with the nylon component contributing to a comforting sound during usage.

Ultimately, the differing top housing materials between the Akko Botany and Outemu Silent White create contrasting auditory profiles that cater to different user preferences. The nylon top of the Botany provides a warmth and depth that can be ideal for those who enjoy a softer typing experience, while the polycarbonate top of the Silent White emphasizes clarity and high-pitched tones that enhance the keys' sound resonance. However, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing acts as a balancing factor, ensuring that fundamental characteristics are preserved for both switches. This interplay between the two types of plastics signifies how variations in housing materials can creatively shape the user experience, all while retaining certain core elements that unify them.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making the Botany more suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Botany's bottom out force of 45 grams is also less than that of the Silent White, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This further reinforces the idea that the Botany switch is overall lighter, while the Silent White offers a stronger push feel. Those who appreciate a more substantial feedback during typing may prefer the heavier Silent White switch, while those seeking comfort for longer durations will likely lean toward the Akko Botany switch for its lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Botany measures 3.6 mm, while the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights the Botany as the longer option, ideal for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the Silent White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, although some users may find it feels too abrupt for their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for either a more substantial keystroke or a faster actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp, lively sound that many enthusiasts appreciate, giving it a distinctive character right out of the box. This auditory feedback is common with linear switches, but the Botany stands out with its clacky tone, which can add an engaging element to your typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks a specific sound profile, making it less defined in terms of auditory presence. Most likely designed to prioritize quietness, its sound is minimized, allowing it to provide a more subdued experience compared to the vibrant tones of the Botany switch. However, it’s important to note that sound can be affected by other components like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

Regarding feel, Akko's Botany switches are designed to deliver a satisfyingly smooth experience, characteristic of linear switches. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience as there’s less resistance to overcome when activating the key. On the other hand, the Smoothness of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is not specified, thus making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Botany in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force. As linear switches, both options ideally share that seamless linear progression without tactile bumps, but the specific tactile qualities of the Silent White remain unclear.

In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch offers a lively and engaging sound profile, the Outemu Silent White linear switch leans towards a more muted experience. The Botany provides a smooth feel that enhances typing, though the specific characteristics of the Silent White's feel are unknown. If you're looking for a lively auditory experience, the Botany is an excellent choice, whereas the Silent White serves a more silent, stealthy function, making both switches suitable for their intended audiences yet distinctly different in sound and the confirmed feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a lively, crisp sound and a satisfying clack as you type, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice, particularly for casual gaming or typing sessions where feedback and auditory pleasure enhance your experience. Its 45-gram bottom-out force can make it ideal for fast typers or those who prefer a less strenuous effort while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with a medium force of 60 grams that provides a tactile, dampened feel—suitable for quieter environments like a shared workspace—the Outemu Silent White might be better suited for you. The lack of significant sound from the Silent White also makes it appropriate for situations where noise control is paramount. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your personal typing style and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more