Akko Botany vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options between various types. The Akko Botany switches, known for their vibrant and crisp sound profile, deliver a lively clack with each keystroke, making them an engaging choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switches, while also linear in nature, do not have a distinctive sound profile, which can appeal to users seeking a quieter operating experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Akko Botany is ideal for those who revel in an expressive typing experience, while the Outemu Silver offers a more subdued, smooth typing feel, benefiting those who favor minimal distractions. 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 Silver Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Outemu Silver switches, notable differences arise, particularly in the choice of top housing material. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributable to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Outemu Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only lends itself to a more resonant output but also enhances clarity in sound, making it particularly beneficial for users looking to pair their keyboards with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency.

Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition, as both the Akko Botany and the Outemu Silver feature nylon in this part of their construction. This similarity contributes to their overall sound experience, as the nylon bottom housing facilitates a deeper and fuller acoustic response. Thus, while the top housings create distinct sound profiles—one that is warmer and round from the Botany and another that is crisp and bright from the Silver—the bottom housings work in tandem to provide a consistent depth in sound. Users will find that the bottom-out feel is influenced significantly by the nylon material's sound-absorbing properties, regardless of the top housing's qualities.

Understanding how the interplay of these materials affects performance is essential for users when considering which switch might be best for their needs. The Akko Botany, with its nylon top housing, caters to those who favor a softer, more muted typing experience, whereas the Outemu Silver appeals to users who prioritize a clarified and vibrant sound profile, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups. This duality illustrates that even though the bottom housings align in material, the distinct differences in top housing contribute to separate user experiences, emphasizing how pivotal the housing materials are in shaping the overall dynamics of typing and acoustic feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany and Outemu Silver linear switches, a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for more extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. This distinction means that while the Botany is lighter and favors ease of use for prolonged tasks, the Silver offers a stronger push, suitable for users seeking more tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter keyboard experience, the Akko Botany is the better choice, while the Outemu Silver is ideal for users who appreciate a heavier switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there is a distinct difference in travel distance. The Akko Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver switch measures 4 mm. This makes the Botany switch the shorter of the two, favored by gamers for its quicker response time. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, with its longer 4 mm distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, if you opt for the Botany switch, you may enjoy a more responsive keystroke, but if you lean toward the Silver switch, you could appreciate the depth and feedback it provides during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp, lively clacky sound that resonates beautifully right out of the box, adding a delightful auditory element to typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific sound profile noted, leaving its sound characteristics more ambiguous. However, it’s important to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard plate or keycaps, so users might be able to achieve a satisfactory auditory experience regardless of the switch type.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany linear switch offers a smooth and responsive keystroke that helps engage typists, providing a tactile experience that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's feel is not explicitly detailed, leaving room for uncertainty regarding its performance. Nevertheless, the linear nature of both switches suggests that users can expect a generally smooth pressing action, which will likely yield a similar typing experience if other variables are comparable.

Overall, the Akko Botany linear switch is distinguished by its noticeable sound and the satisfying feel it delivers, making it particularly appealing to those who seek an engaging mechanical keyboard experience. Meanwhile, while the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific characterizations in sound and feel, its linear design indicates it can provide a smooth experience as well. Ultimately, both switches have their own appeal and potential, and users are likely to find satisfaction with either, especially with careful selection of supporting components.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more lively auditory experience, the Botany switch, with its 45 grams of bottom-out force and crisp, clacky sound, will be an excellent fit. It is particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers who appreciate feedback in both sound and feel. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a firmer keypress and do not mind a more subdued sound profile, the Outemu Silver's 65-gram bottom-out force could provide you with the stability and control you need, especially for gaming or extensive typing sessions where precision is paramount. In essence, choose the Botany for a more dynamic experience and opt for the Silver if you prefer a robust feel without the added auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more