Akko Botany vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches plays a pivotal role in the typing experience, and two popular options are the Akko Botany and the Durock Piano, both of which are linear switches. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making them an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are distinguished by their proprietary material blend that delivers a smooth gliding sensation and a deep, creamy sound signature, creating a wonderfully pleasant typing experience. While the Botany emphasizes a more pronounced acoustic profile, the Piano focuses on a silky performance that enhances overall comfort. As you consider your options, it's essential to weigh the auditory characteristics of the Botany against the luxurious feel of the Piano. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Durock Piano switches reflect unique approaches to sound profile and typing experience through their respective choices of plastic. The Akko Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is a revered material in the keyboard community for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder tone. The softness of nylon plays a significant role in how it dampens vibrations, making it ideal for those seeking a more muted auditory experience while typing. The consistent composition of nylon throughout the Botany's housing contributes to a harmonious sound and feel with each keystroke.
Conversely, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary blend of POM for both its top and bottom housings. While the exact formulation of this blend remains undisclosed, it is acknowledged for its capacity to deliver a "uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile." POM, being a harder plastic compared to nylon, typically produces a brighter sound but also has excellent durability and a smooth feel during operation. Although the Piano’s sound profile may deviate from the Botany’s, it boasts a satisfying feedback that can equally enhance the typing experience. The combination of both the top and bottom housing from POM suggests that the switch will maintain a certain level of auditory intrigue, albeit through a different sonic pathway.
While the Akko Botany and Durock Piano switches feature different materials, each bringing distinct characteristics to sound and feel, the outcomes can still align in terms of overall typing satisfaction. Both switches aim to deliver a rich auditory experience, whether through the warm dampening qualities of nylon or the crisp output of the proprietary POM blend. The effect of each housing material on sound, particularly when pressing down and releasing the keys, is a key aspect of their performance. The separated qualities of the top and bottom housings in both switches reveal how diverse materials can still yield similar engaging results and cater to varied user preferences within the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Botany features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Durock Piano does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is considerably higher at 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while the Piano may offer a more substantial push experience when bottoming out, its overall feel in terms of actuation remains unclear. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter switch will gravitate toward the Botany, while those seeking a stronger tactile response may favor the heavier bottom out experience of the Piano.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that they differ, with the Akko Botany having a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction may influence user experience based on personal preference; those who favor responsiveness might lean towards the Botany switch for its quicker actuation, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel may opt for the Piano switch for its deeper travel. The Piano switch, being closer to the traditional 4 mm distance, offers a more pronounced tactile sensation, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a richer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes speed and responsiveness or a more solid, traditional feel.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp and lively clacky sound, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This vibrant acoustic profile is particularly appealing for users who like their keystrokes to have a bit of flair, emphasizing a sharper and more incisive quality. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is lauded for its deep, creamy sound signature. This switch delivers a softer, bassier tone during key presses, which is rich and full, offering a more profound auditory experience. While the Botany may appeal to those who prefer a bright and engaging sound, the Piano’s bassy timbre caters to users seeking a mellow and rounded acoustic profile. It’s worth noting that the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Botany offers a lively typing experience, although specific attributes aren't detailed, it is widely accepted that linear switches generally provide a smooth actuation without tactile bumps, which can enhance speed for gaming and typists alike. On the other hand, the Durock Piano embodies a silky smoothness that sets it apart as an exceptionally pleasant typing switch. This characteristic not only enhances the overall typing experience but also minimizes resistance during key presses and releases, leading to a fluid sensation that many typists come to appreciate. Together, the contrast between the lively feel of the Botany and the silky smoothness of the Piano can cater to different preferences in typing.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and Durock Piano linear switches offer enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different tastes. The Botany provides a lively, clacky sound that appeals to enthusiasts looking for acoustic feedback, while the Piano excels in delivering a deep, creamy sound combined with an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Ultimately, if you're considering these switches, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a sharper sound and lively feel or a softer acoustic profile paired with a silky typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a crisp and lively clacky sound, the Botany would be an excellent choice, especially for faster typing or gaming scenarios where responsiveness is key. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to actuate, making it suitable for prolonged use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel while typing and appreciate the deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano might be more to your liking. With its 63.5-gram bottom-out force, you can expect a more controlled typing experience, complemented by a silky smooth feel that minimizes resistance. This switch is ideal for users who value tactile feedback and a richer auditory experience. Therefore, selecting between the Botany and Piano boils down to whether you seek lightness and liveliness or a more robust and sumptuous typing experience.
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