Akko Botany vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and HMX Perky both provide unique experiences suited to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Akko Botany is renowned for its crisp and lively clacking sound, delivering an exhilarating auditory feedback right out of the box, which can enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate a touch of acoustic flair. On the other hand, the HMX Perky stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housings that promote a neutral and deeply satisfying feel with every keystroke. Its shorter travel distance offers a condensed typing experience, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy quick and effortless typing with less finger fatigue. While both switches bring their own advantages to the table, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound versus feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the HMX Perky are remarkably similar, as both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material leads to a consistent auditory experience across both types of switches, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Due to nylon being a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory signature. Consequently, users can expect a similar typing feel and sound quality from both the Botany and Perky switches, enhancing the tactile experience while minimizing the harshness often associated with harder plastic housings.
In examining the qualities of both the top and bottom housings, it becomes clear how the use of nylon influences the performance of these switches. With both the top and bottom constructed from nylon, the sound profile remains unified, as both elements contribute to the overall acoustic properties. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing the key. This alignment in material choice allows for a balanced distribution of sound qualities between the two housings, ensuring that neither aspect dominates the typing experience.
Ultimately, the similar housing materials of the Akko Botany and HMX Perky provide an opportunity for users to enjoy a consistent performance across both switch types. Because both use nylon for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of sound absorption and typing feedback are preserved, leading to a unified feeling. Therefore, whether a user chooses the Botany or the Perky, they can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and tactile feedback, underscoring the effectiveness of nylon as a housing material in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Perky switch has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who favor a heavier switch for their typing experience. Therefore, while both switches are categorized as light, the Botany is the lighter option, whereas the Perky is the heavier one, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky measures at 3.4 mm. This means the Botany switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Perky switch's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, which tends to appeal to gamers who value speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; if you prefer deeper, more pronounced key presses, the Botany would be the ideal option, while the Perky is better suited for those who favor snappy actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound that resonates with keystrokes, making it a great choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch is not specifically detailed in terms of sound, but given its softer nylon housing, it’s likely to offer a more muted and subdued auditory experience. This difference in sound profile means that while the Botany delivers a more vibrant acoustic signature, the Perky may provide a quieter environment, which might be preferred in shared or professional settings. However, it’s important to remember that sound can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard construction and keycap choice, so results may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch offers a typing experience noted for its clarity and responsiveness, allowing typists to enjoy each keystroke with a sense of precision. In contrast, the Perky linear switch is characterized by a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, enhanced by its shorter travel distance that offers a more condensed feel when typing. The Botany may lend itself to a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Perky focuses on a smooth, continuous action that many find comfortable during prolonged typing sessions.
In summary, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Botany's sound is lively and engaging while its feel is precise, making it suitable for users who enjoy auditory cues and tactile satisfaction. The Perky, with its potentially quieter sound profile and satisfying feel through its shorter travel distance, is designed for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience. The choice between them ultimately comes down to individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience should guide your decision. If you prefer a lighter switch with a crisp and lively clacky sound, the Botany switch might be the ideal choice for you. Its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams can provide a more effortless typing experience, making it great for fast typists or those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you value a more neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, the HMX Perky switch, with its slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams and shorter travel distance, could be better suited for you. The softer nylon housing of the Perky can add to a unique texture, creating a more condensed feel that some users find preferable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique attributes; choosing the right one depends on your personal comfort and the typing experience you seek.
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