Akko Botany vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and KTT Purple Star both present appealing options for typists seeking a linear experience, yet they cater to differing preferences. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who desire auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction that provides a buttery smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, appealing particularly to users who prefer a quieter, more subdued environment. Additionally, its light 45g bottom-out force makes it particularly suitable for light typists seeking comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. Each switch has its unique strengths: the Botany is perfect for users who enjoy a bit of auditory flair in their keystrokes, while the Purple Star prioritizes smoothness and a gentle touch. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and the KTT Purple Star switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, each contributing uniquely to the overall typing experience. The Botany features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively soft nature allows it to absorb sound more than harder plastics, leading to a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder auditory feedback. This material choice emphasizes a smooth and muted sound, which many users find appealing for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
In contrast, the KTT Purple Star utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for producing a very pleasing sound profile that, while also deeper and somewhat muted, offers a unique auditory quality. This material tends to deliver a crisper return sound compared to nylon, enhancing the tactile feedback when a key is released. While both switches aim for a similar sound profile—with an emphasis on deeper tones—the POM material adds a distinctive flair to the overall feel and a more controlled auditory response during key presses and releases.
Despite these differences in housing materials, both the Akko Botany and KTT Purple Star can deliver a comparable typing experience by emphasizing smoother sound dynamics. The merits of nylon in absorbing sound and dampening auditory feedback align with POM's ability to also deliver on a muted sound profile. If users were to execute a blind test, they might find that while the materials differ, the experience of deep and muted sound can render them suitable for similar preferences. Ultimately, the blend of each switch's unique housing characteristics allows for versatile options depending on individual user desires, whether they lean towards the softer absorption of nylon or the crisp response of POM.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces, impacting the typing experience each provides. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming, where reduced strain can be beneficial. In contrast, the Purple Star's actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams provide a more substantial feel, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. While both switches can be categorized as light, the Botany switch is lighter overall, with a lower actuation and bottom out force compared to the Purple Star. Users who favor a more tactile experience may gravitate toward the heavier KTT Purple Star for that defined resistance, while those wanting a softer touch might choose the Akko Botany for its ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there's a slight variation that affects user experience. The Botany switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Botany switch offers a deeper feel with its greater travel, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, aligning with the growing trend of shorter distances for enhanced speed. Therefore, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Botany provides a deeper key press, making it the longer option, while the Purple Star is the shorter choice.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 switches stand out with their crisp and lively clacky tones right out of the box. This auditory profile makes them quite engaging and suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches produce a low-pitched sound, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone that creates a neutral sound signature. While they don't offer the same lively clackiness as the Botany switches, this soothing low frequency can be more pleasant in quieter environments. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can also depend heavily on the keyboard chassis and keycap material, which means that users will find variability in how each switch sounds when integrated into their specific setups.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switches are recognized for their more pronounced feedback, providing a responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Purple Star switches pride themselves on a mild and easy-to-press mechanism. Their 45g bottom-out and gentle resistance make them comfortable for prolonged periods of typing, reducing finger fatigue significantly. The mild nature of the Purple Star switches appeals to light typists looking for a smooth and forgiving experience, while the Botany switches might cater more to users who appreciate a bit more tactile feedback. Overall, those who prefer a gentle and accessible typing experience may lean toward the Purple Star, while others might enjoy the more dynamic feel of the Botany switches.
In summary, the Akko Botany and KTT Purple Star linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences to cater to various preferences among typists. The Botany offers a lively and pronounced sound alongside a responsive feel, making it ideal for those seeking a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star’s low-pitched sound and buttery smooth action deliver an exceptionally comfortable and easy typing experience, making it perfect for prolonged usage. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results, but user preference will largely dictate which switch set aligns with their individual typing style and sound sensibility.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a lively typing experience, the Botany switch's crisp and clacky sound profile may be more to your liking. Its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suitable if you prefer a switch that feels effortless under your fingers, enhancing both typing speed and comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother and more subdued experience, the KTT Purple Star switch stands out with its buttery smooth action and low-pitched sound profile. The slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams is still relatively light, but it offers a balanced feel that caters to those who appreciate a neutral typing experience without harshness. In essence, choose the Botany for an engaging and vibrant typing session, and opt for the Purple Star when you prioritize smoothness and a more mellow auditory experience.
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