Akko Botany vs. KTT Phalaenopsis

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko Botany and the KTT Phalaenopsis can significantly impact your typing experience. The Akko Botany, known for its crisp and lively clacky sound, offers a smooth linear feel that many enthusiasts appreciate for sheer speed and responsiveness, making it an ideal companion for gamers and typists who value swift keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis boasts a beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of 37g, providing an effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Its tactile force of 50g delivers a satisfying bump, enhancing the tactile feedback while ensuring that each keystroke feels deliberate and enjoyable, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a more engaging and noticeable typing experience. Both switches have their unique appeal, and while the Botany excels in delivering a fast and dynamic performance, the Phalaenopsis offers comfort and tactile delight. 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

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and KTT Phalaenopsis switches have distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sound that is deeper, fuller, and softer. This is attributed to the nylon's ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic nature, which leads to a duller and rounder sound quality. Conversely, the Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and crisp auditory profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a brighter sound when typing.

While both switches may cater to different preferences in auditory experiences, they also highlight the impact of housing materials on the overall performance of a switch. For the Botany, the consistent use of nylon means the tapering effect of sound absorption occurs throughout the switch, creating a cohesive auditory experience. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis, with its polycarbonate components, promises a more pronounced sound signature that emphasizes clarity and brightness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced visual effects when engaging with RGB lighting, adding another layer of aesthetic appeal that likely attracts a different user base.

The role of the top and bottom housings in a switch’s functionality further underscores the contrast between the Botany and the Phalaenopsis. When pressed, the qualities of the bottom housing primarily dictate the perceived sound and feel, while the top housing is more influential in the sound that emanates upon release. Therefore, a switch that uses a combination of nylon and polycarbonate materials can potentially bridge the auditory profiles of both switches. By balancing the sound absorption of nylon with the clarity of polycarbonate, a user can achieve a unique typing experience that combines warmth and resonance, ultimately leading to a satisfying middle ground between the deeper tones of the Botany and the crisper responses of the Phalaenopsis.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams, slightly heavier than the Phalaenopsis's 37 grams, making the Phalaenopsis the lighter option for those seeking a less strenuous typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Botany again is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's 50 grams. This means that while both switches are relatively light overall, typists who prefer a heavier tactile feedback may lean towards the Phalaenopsis due to its higher bottom out force, despite its marginally lighter actuation force. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Botany make it a favorable choice. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel with a stronger resistance at the bottom might prefer the Phalaenopsis.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Botany switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Phalaenopsis. For gamers or users seeking a more responsive keypress, the Botany's 3.6 mm travel distance might deliver quicker actuation. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis with its 4 mm travel distance provides a heftier feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences, the distinct travel distances clearly define the Botany as the shorter option and the Phalaenopsis as the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by its crisp and lively clacky tone, delivering a bright and cheerful auditory response right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more upbeat sound while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a more bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper, richer auditory experience. The thocky quality produces a satisfying “thud” or “knock” when the key is pressed and released, which is reminiscent of a solid typing experience. It's important to note that both switches' sound will vary significantly based on the keyboard build, choice of board, and keycap material.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch's characteristics are not defined, but its linear design typically offers a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback or bumps. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch presents a stepped feel with a distinct tactile bump, engaging typists with a pleasurable sensation as each key is pressed. This stepped tactile feedback allows the user to experience a clear distinction in the keystroke's motion, enhancing the overall tactile experience during typing sessions.

In summary, while the Akko Botany linear switch provides a bright and lively sound with a smooth feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a deeper, thocky sound profile and a noticeable tactile bump that enhances typing feedback. For those who favor a crisp auditory experience, the Botany is a go-to choice, whereas enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback and a richer sound will find the Phalaenopsis more enjoyable. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch best suits your typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth, linear feel with a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Botany switch might be the right fit for you. It offers a lively clack when you type, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more audible feedback and a slight pop with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions while still providing satisfying tactile feedback, the Phalaenopsis would be an excellent choice. With a light actuation force of 37 grams and a distinguishable 50 grams tactile bump, this switch delivers a pleasant feel and a thockier sound profile that many users find gratifying. In summary, if you enjoy a fast-paced, smooth typing experience with a crisp auditory response, go for the Botany. However, if you're looking for a tactile sensation that still allows for effortless typing and a deeper sound, the Phalaenopsis should be your pick.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more