Akko Botany vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Akko Botany switch, known for its crisp and lively clacky sound, offers a smooth linear experience that can enhance typing speed and fluidity. Its design catapults it into the realm of those who appreciate a minimalist yet engaging interaction without the distraction of clicks. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch, or Purple Sauce, presents a clicky experience that delivers a high-pitched and satisfying sound, making it ideal for typists who enjoy an audible feedback with every keystroke. With light keystrokes and a well-balanced tactile response, the Purple Click strikes a harmonious equilibrium that appeals to both casual and avid typists alike. While both switches provide unique characteristics that may attract different users—whether it’s the quiet smoothness of the Botany or the invigorating click of the Purple Click—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and KTT Purple Click switches, the top housing materials highlight a notable distinction in their sound profiles due to their differing compositions. The Botany employs nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This is primarily because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound waves, leading to a more muted auditory signature that some users may find more pleasing for relaxed typing scenarios. In contrast, the Purple Click utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing sharper, higher-pitched sounds. The material’s rigidity fosters a more resonant and clear sound profile, thus appealing to users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The choice of materials in the top housing significantly influences the acoustic characteristics each switch can deliver.
On the bottom housing front, both the Akko Botany and KTT Purple Click favor the use of nylon, ensuring a consistent experience in terms of sound dampening and feedback. The nylon bottom housing effectively absorbs sound vibrations, resulting in a deeper and rounder feel when a key bottoms out. Even though the top housings are different in composition, the shared nylon in the bottom housing provides a unifying element to the typing experience across both switches. This similarity can lead to a cohesion in the sound profile felt when pressing down on either switch, emphasizing a softer auditory experience that aligns with the qualities of the bottom housing.
Ultimately, while the sound signature and impact of each switch may diverge when typing, the combination of housing materials plays a critical role in determining the overall experience. The Akko Botany’s nylon top and bottom create a richer sound profile, with a focus on softness and warmth, while the KTT Purple Click’s mix of polycarbonate top with nylon bottom balances crispness with depth. If users prioritize the sound produced during key release, the Botany’s nylon top will lend a more subdued experience compared to the sharper resonance of the Purple Click's polycarbonate top. However, the shared nylon bottom in both switches serves to create an important foundation, ensuring that the fundamental tactile feedback during key presses remains consistent, thus allowing for enjoyable results regardless of the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Botany switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where ease of use and comfort are paramount. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click provides a more substantial push feel with its heavier forces, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer response in their keyboard experience. Overall, the Akko Botany switch is the lighter option, while the KTT Purple Click switch is the heavier choice, allowing users to select based on their preference for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Purple Click will require a slightly deeper key press compared to the Botany, offering a more substantial feedback experience for users who prefer that depth. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Botany may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. However, those who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience might favor the Purple Click's greater travel distance, which can provide a more tactile and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 stands out for its crisp and lively clacky noise that can enhance the typing experience. It's designed to provide an engaging auditory feedback right out of the box, making each key press feel lively and impactful. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a distinctively resonant auditory profile characterized by a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click sound. This creates a clean and sharp acoustic experience that can be quite immersive. Both switches will deliver unique sound qualities, influenced by external factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material, but the Botany’s lively clack and the Purple Click’s distinct sharpness provide very different auditory experiences.
Regarding feel, the Akko Botany linear switch gives a smooth keystroke that can be expected from linear switches, offering uninterrupted travel without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch focuses on tactile feedback with an invigorating sensation. It requires a moderate to firm actuation force, presenting a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing experience. Furthermore, the Purple Click features a stepped action, which means users can experience a defined point during the keystroke. This combination of tactility and structure contributes to an immersive typing sensation that differs significantly from the smooth precision of the Botany switch.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Purple Click offer unique characteristics, they serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard world. The Botany’s lively clack and smooth feel provide an engaging experience for those who enjoy linear switches, while the Purple Click’s sharp, resonant clicks and tactile feedback cater to users who appreciate a more interactive typing sensation. Whether you prefer the crisp liveliness of the Botany or the satisfying tactile clicks of the Purple Click, both can deliver enjoyable typing results depending on your choices and style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a smoother, quieter typing feel with a light actuation—perfect for long hours of writing or programming—the Botany linear switch is an excellent choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams offers a gentle touch, which can be especially appealing if you dislike tactile feedback or loud clicks during your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience that offers a satisfying auditory feedback, the KTT Purple Click is likely to be more suitable for you. With its medium-light force of 55 grams and distinctively resonant click, this switch provides an invigorating typing sensation that not only keeps you alert but also makes each keystroke feel rewarding. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits and the environment in which you typically work; whether you prefer the serene tranquility of the Botany or the lively clacks of the Purple Click will guide you toward the right choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.