Akko Botany vs. Outemu Silent Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Outemu Silent Yellow both fall into the linear category, yet they offer distinct experiences that may appeal to different users. The Akko Botany switches are renowned for their crisp, lively clacky sound right from the box, providing auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. This makes them a great choice for those who appreciate a bit of sound in their typing experience, adding personality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches prioritize a quieter typing experience, allowing for smooth keystrokes without the extra noise, making them an ideal option for office environments or shared spaces where minimal sound is preferred. Both switches have their unique strengths; the Botany excels in providing an engaging auditory feedback while the Silent Yellow caters to users who value discretion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly shapes their overall sound profiles. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound that is more subdued compared to harder plastics. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound and tends to create a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when keys are pressed and released, distinguishing it from the softer nylon material used in the Botany. Consequently, the use of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings of these switches yields markedly different acoustic experiences during operation.

Interestingly, both the Akko Botany and Outemu Silent Yellow switches share nylon as their material for the bottom housing. This commonality provides a unifying factor in their sound profiles, creating a deeper and fuller sound when the switches bottom out. Nylon's characteristics lead to sound absorption, which helps to moderate the auditory feedback when the switches fully engage, giving both switches a smooth and muted sound during this critical moment of typing. Despite the contrast in their top housing materials, this shared element means that users will experience a complementary tonal quality that can harmonize the different auditory cues produced by the top housings.

The interaction between the different materials in each switch reveals how nuanced sound and feel can be when using switches with varied housing compositions. In the case of the Botany, the nylon top allows for a more nurturing sound on release, while the nylon bottom cushions the impact of bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top delivers an impressive clarity upon key release, counterbalanced by the soft nylon of the bottom housing to ensure a pleasant experience when the switch is fully pressed. These dynamics illustrate how the segmentation of sound profiles into top and bottom housings can yield unique yet synergistic auditory experiences, allowing users to appreciate each switch's distinct characteristics while still enjoying the shared properties of nylon in both switches' bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, resulting in a more effortless typing experience, which is beneficial for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow requires a medium actuation force of 45 grams, providing a slightly more substantial feel. This makes the Botany the lighter option overall. Furthermore, the bottom out forces also differ, with the Botany at 45 grams and the Silent Yellow at 60 grams. This indicates that while the Botany remains easier to press down and bottom out, the Silent Yellow's stronger bottom out offers a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a firmer key feel. In summary, if you favor a lighter key switch for extended use, the Akko Botany is the superior choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow caters to those who enjoy a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This means that the Botany switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may provide a more responsive feel for gamers seeking quicker actuation, whereas the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a fuller, more satisfying keystroke. Users who lean towards quick reactions in gaming might gravitate toward the Botany, while those who favor a more tactile depth might find the Silent Yellow to be a better fit. Thus, the key differentiation lies in the 0.4 mm difference in travel distance, highlighting the distinct preferences that users may have based on their desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switches stand out with their crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making them quite engaging for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic can bring an element of joy to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches do not have a notable sound profile associated with them, which suggests a more subdued audio presence. This makes them suitable for environments where noise reduction is crucial, allowing users to focus on their tasks without disturbing others.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches offer a smooth linear experience that tends to enhance the tactile satisfaction during typing. Users often appreciate a responsive feel that contributes positively to overall typing speed and accuracy. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switches is not detailed, leaving potential users without specific expectations regarding their tactile response. Generally, linear switches like these aim for a fluid keystroke, but the lack of information about the Silent Yellow's feel means that experiences may vary more among users.

In conclusion, the Akko Botany linear switches provide a lively auditory experience alongside a smooth and satisfying typing feel, making them an appealing choice for those who appreciate sound dynamics in their keyboard interactions. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches cater to a quieter environment, albeit with less clarity in terms of tactile feedback. While both switches may deliver a linear feel and satisfy those looking for quiet operation, the Botany's engaging sound sets them apart. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether personal preferences lean towards auditory enjoyment or silent efficiency, though the overall typing experience may yield similarities in smoothness across both options.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, your choice should hinge on your specific preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique, crisp, and lively clacky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Akko Botany is a fantastic option. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming, making it a suitable choice for creative tasks or casual use where an engaging sound is desired. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more subdued experience with a heavier actuation force that fosters control and stability, the Outemu Silent Yellow is the way to go. While it lacks distinct sound features, its medium resistance can enhance your typing accuracy, making it an excellent fit for intensive gaming or work environments where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you, and let those guide your decision between the two options.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more