Akko Botany vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Akko Botany switch stands out with its lively and crisp clacky sound, which appeals to users who appreciate an auditory feedback while typing. Its straightforward design makes it an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and pleasant sound without compromising on smoothness. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro also leans into the linear category but introduces a long pole design that enhances its snappy sound signature, providing a vibrant auditory experience paired with a silky smooth actuation. This switch caters to users who desire both a dynamic acoustic quality and a refined tactile feedback during usage. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics and smooth actuation, they cater to different preferences in the tactile experience of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko Botany and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon as the primary material for their top and bottom switch housings. This shared choice in housing material lends both switches a notably similar acoustic character, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The inherent properties of nylon as a softer plastic facilitate sound absorption, which effectively dampens the acoustic output, resulting in a rounder and less sharp sound. Users of both models can expect to enjoy a satisfying auditory experience that speaks to the classic qualities attributed to nylon housing, making it a good match for users who favor a harmonious typing experience.
While the materials of the top and bottom housings are identical in both keyboard models, the nuances experienced during typing can differ subtly due to their design intricacies or switch calibration. In the case of the Botany and the V3 Piano Pro, the fact that both keyboards utilize nylon throughout means that their acoustic performances when bottoming out a key will exhibit the same dampening characteristics. The overall typing feel remains plush and cushioned, as the nylon absorbs vibration and sound equally across the spectrum. Consequently, the bottom-out sound from either keyboard should be pleasingly muted, encouraging a delightful typing rhythm.
In terms of their design interplay, both models exhibit the direct influences of their nylon composition on user experience. The impact of the bottom housing becomes more pronounced when pressing keys, while the top housing offers its influence when releasing keys. Despite the shared material composition, there might still be slight variances attributed to the switch types or tactile feedback mechanisms employed in each model. Nevertheless, users seeking an acoustic environment that emphasizes softer sounding strokes will find both the Botany and V3 Piano Pro to deliver remarkably similar results thanks to their consistent use of nylon. Selector preferences might ultimately come down to other features or ergonomics, but the core auditory experience remains largely aligned.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch differ in both their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct preferences among typists and gamers. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a less tiring typing experience over long sessions. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro requires a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Therefore, the Botany is the lighter option, while the V3 Piano Pro is heavier, providing distinct experiences for different user preferences. If ease of typing is a priority, the Botany switch would be the optimal choice, whereas for those who favor a firmer feedback and stronger push, the V3 Piano Pro would be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there is a slight difference worth noting. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference emphasizes that the Botany switch offers a bit more depth for those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing, which can enhance the tactile experience. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to users seeking quicker response times, such as gamers, who often prefer the snappier feedback of a reduced distance. Ultimately, if you value a more grounded typing experience, the Botany switch may be the better choice, while those inclined towards faster and potentially more abrupt keystrokes might lean towards the V3 Piano Pro.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch deliver an engaging auditory experience, though they possess distinct characteristics. The Botany switch is acclaimed for its lively clack, producing a crisp and bright sound that resonates with a percussive quality, making it highly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switch is crafted with a long pole design that contributes to a snappier sound signature. This results in a similarly lively and crisp auditory profile, characterized by a sharp and resonant tone. Both switches deliver satisfying acoustic responses, making them appealing to keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing atmosphere.
The feel of these two switches presents a noticeable difference in user experience. The Botany switch’s specific feel characteristics are not detailed, leaving some unknowns regarding its tactile sensation during usage. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is designed for a notably smooth typing experience. It’s described as creamy, polished, and silky, all of which imply an exceptionally smooth keystroke with reduced friction. The use of lubricant or specific high-quality materials contributes to a buttery and refined sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The superior feel of the V3 Piano Pro will likely attract users who prioritize a seamless and luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches boast a lively and crisp sound signature, the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its superior smoothness and refined feel. Users may find that the Botany switch appeals more to those who favor a pronounced auditory experience, while the V3 Piano Pro is geared towards those seeking seamless and enjoyable tactile feedback. The overall quality of these switches indicates that they can easily cater to different preferences, ensuring that newcomers can find a switch that aligns with their typing style and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately revolves around your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, the Botany switch with its 45-gram bottom out force might be more suitable, offering a crisp, lively sound that enhances the auditory experience as you type. This switch is ideal if you enjoy a percussive typing style or if you engage in frequent fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, then the V3 Piano Pro switch could be the better choice for you. Its snappy sound signature, combined with a silky, creamy feel, can elevate your typing experience, offering a pleasurable balance of acoustic feedback and smooth key travel. In essence, if sound and smoothness are paramount to you, lean towards the V3 Piano Pro; if you favor lightness and a more clacky auditory response, the Botany switch would be a fitting selection.
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