Akko Botany vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is renowned for its unique, crisp, and lively clacky sound, bringing an engaging auditory experience right out of the box. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy a more lively interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Pine, also a linear switch, stands out with its medium-heavy actuation and buttery smooth key travel. It features a polished, factory-lubed finish that ensures minimal friction, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience for users who prioritize a softer touch and less resistance. While both switches are designed for linear performance, the Akko Botany caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile, whereas the KTT Pine focuses on an ultra-smooth experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and KTT Pine switches, the differences in sound profiles and tactile feedback are quite pronounced due to the choice of materials. The Akko Botany employs a nylon top and bottom housing, which fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more impact when typing, thereby creating a sound that is duller and rounder. This is particularly appealing to users who prefer a more muted auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine's choice of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, allows for clearer and more resonant sound, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing.
Moreover, the aesthetic properties of these materials also differ significantly. The nylon used in the Botany's housing does not offer the same translucency as polycarbonate, which typically allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through more effectively. This means that while users of the Botany may appreciate the sound quality and feel of the keys, they may not enjoy the same visual impact that comes with the clear polycarbonate housing of the KTT Pine. The ability of polycarbonate to enhance RGB lighting can add an additional layer of customization for users who enjoy themed setups or vibrant color schemes in their keyboard aesthetic.
Finally, the combination of both housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the Botany’s nylon top and bottom housings work cohesively to produce a consistent sound that prioritizes warmth and depth, the Pine's polycarbonate materials emphasize clarity and resonance. Users who prefer a more muted sound may gravitate towards the Botany, while those seeking a crisper feedback will likely favor the Pine. Ultimately, by understanding how the differing properties of these materials influence both sound and feel, users can make a more informed decision that best aligns with their typing preferences. If one were to swap between the switches and demand similar results, balancing other factors such as switch design and keyboard construction would be vital to achieve an individual’s desired sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Pine 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 suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Pine switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that can be appealing to those who enjoy a heavier switch. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for fatigue-free typing would gravitate towards the Botany switch, while those who favor a firmer response might find the Pine switch to be more satisfying. Overall, while both switches serve specific user preferences, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, whereas the KTT Pine is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is clear that the Botany offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Pine switch is designed to provide a deeper key press, which may be more appealing for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. Conversely, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Botany switch may cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who favor rapid actuation and a less abrupt experience might lean towards the Botany, while others who appreciate a more pronounced depth may prefer the KTT Pine.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, the Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp and lively clacky sound that adds a charming auditory character to each keypress. This vibrant auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more interactive and engaging. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deeper, bassy profile that is characterized by a low-pitched tone. This sound can create a richer, more immersive environment, especially for users who prefer a more subdued audio feedback. While both switches have their distinct sound profiles, the actual experience can vary based on your choice of keyboard construction and keycaps, which may amplify certain tonal qualities in either switch.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany linear switch's tactile feedback is not explicitly detailed, but its crisp sound suggests a responsive and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and creamy keystrokes, attributed to its polished, factory-lubed finish. This results in a highly effortless typing experience where each keystroke flows seamlessly into the next, providing a sensation akin to gliding over keys. The Pine's smoothness can make for prolonged typing sessions without the distraction of friction, appealing to those who value comfort and consistency in their typing experience.
In summary, while both the Akko Botany and KTT Pine linear switches serve distinct auditory and tactile purposes, they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Botany offers a lively acoustic feedback that can energize your typing, while the Pine provides a smooth and creamy feel that prioritizes effortless key travel. Depending on your priorities, each switch can deliver a rewarding experience, whether it’s the engaging sound of the Botany or the silky feel of the Pine. If you're looking for the best of both worlds, you can explore options that utilize either switch alongside keycaps and boards that complement their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation with a lively and clacky sound, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for a more relaxed typing experience, making it suitable for fast typists or those who enjoy a responsive feel while gaming or typing. Additionally, the crisp sound profile provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many will find enjoyable. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel with a smooth, buttery typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is likely the better fit. Boasting a heavier bottom-out force of 58 grams, it offers a more deliberate keystroke, perfect for those who prefer a tactile connection and a deeper, bassy sound. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, ensuring that every keypress is effortless and creamy, ideal for long typing sessions or detailed work. Ultimately, consider what aspects of sound and feel you value most in your typing experience before making a decision between these two impressive switches.
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