Akko Botany vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Outemu Tom offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Botany, a linear switch, is acclaimed for its smooth keystrokes and crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize swift, uninterrupted keystrokes for gaming or fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Outemu Tom is recognized as a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback for typists who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. While the Botany excels in delivering seamless performance with an engaging auditory experience, the Tom caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more traditional typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Botany and the Outemu Tom switches exhibit a notable contrast in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing where the Botany employs nylon while the Tom utilizes polycarbonate. The choice of nylon in the Botany’s top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by its relatively softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound vibrations. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Tom produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference arises from polycarbonate’s stiffer structure, which allows for greater resonance and clarity in sound. Aesthetically, the translucence of the polycarbonate top housing complements RGB lighting setups, enhancing visual appeal and allowing for a vibrant display.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both using nylon. This consistent material choice means that the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon will be present in both switches when it comes to the bottoming-out sound and feel. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the tactile feedback and sound produced when the key is pressed down, it ensures a uniformity in experience when typing, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. This shared nylon bottom housing tends to create a warm and rounded sound that is characteristic of nylon.

Overall, the combination of different top housing materials in the Botany and Tom switches results in a unique sound experience for users. While the Botany’s nylon top offers a softer and more muted typing sound, the Tom’s polycarbonate top accentuates clarity and brightness. However, with both switches maintaining a nylon bottom housing, the impact of the bottom-out sound will be similar, providing users with a consistent tactile response. Therefore, while there are distinct sound profiles owing to their top hosing materials, the influence of the nylon bottom housing helps to create a common ground for performance versatility.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch provide distinct experiences for keyboard users, particularly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, making it a lighter option suited for those who prefer less resistance while typing, which is beneficial for extended use during long work hours or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tom switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. Although the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unknown, the Botany's bottom out force of 45 grams is confirmed to be on the lighter side as well. This difference in actuation forces means that users looking for a softer touch will favor the Akko Botany, while those who opt for a firmer push should consider the Outemu Tom. Overall, the Botany switch provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience, while the Tom switch offers a heavier, more tactile engagement.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tom features a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Botany the longer option, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed compared to the Tom. The Tom's shorter travel distance may offer faster response times, appealing particularly to gamers who prefer quick actions. However, those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may find the Akko Botany to better suit their preferences. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance impacts the overall feel of each switch, with the Botany offering a more traditional depth experience and the Tom providing a quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp, lively clacky noise, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. This sound signature contributes to the overall enjoyment of typing, making it a delightful option for users who prefer a more dynamic auditory feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not specifically known for any sound characteristics, which could suggest a lack of distinctive audio feedback compared to the Botany. However, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the type of keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps, meaning that in different setups, one could potentially achieve a more pronounced sound from the Tom switch.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Akko Botany linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, which is characteristic of linear switches. This trait is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes, as it allows for rapid and fluid typing without any distractions. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch features a noticeable tactile bump, offering feedback that can enhance the typing experience by letting users know when their key has been actuated. This can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a bit of engagement with each keystroke and appreciate the feedback during typing sessions.

In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer auditory feedback without interruptions in their keystrokes. The Outemu Tom tactile switch, while lacking a distinctive sound profile, delivers a tactile bump that many users find enjoyable, particularly for typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; whether one favors the smoothness and lively sound of the Botany or the tactile feedback of the Tom, both can contribute to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience when matched with the right components.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch depends significantly on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth keypress with a lighter bottom-out force—making it easier to type quickly—you'll likely find the Akko Botany switch to be more appealing. Its crisp and lively clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory element that can enhance your typing experience, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists who appreciate a fluid, responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a bump or tactile feedback while typing, which can provide a more engaging experience for those who may be used to traditional switches, you might lean towards the Outemu Tom switch, especially if it has distinguishing features that cater to your specific needs. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or the tactile sensation and feedback in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more