Akko Botany vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Akko Botany and the Gateron Quinn, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keypress without tactile feedback. This can enhance the typing experience for gamers and typists who appreciate rapid, fluid movements without any interruptions. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a tactile switch experience characterized by its unique combination of light tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound. The Quinn's specially designed nylon housing produces an immersive auditory experience, providing users with a precise tactile bump that enhances typing accuracy and satisfaction. Therefore, while the Botany appeals to those seeking a clean linear feel, the Quinn caters to those who prefer engaging tactile sensations and enhanced acoustics. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gateron Quinn switches are notably similar, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This shared material choice ensures that users will experience a comparable typing sound and feel when engaging with these switches. Nylon, recognized as a classic switch housing material, contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of both models. The softness of nylon allows for sound absorption, effectively dampening noise compared to harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a consistent duller and rounder sound across both the Botany and Quinn switches.
Despite the shared use of nylon in both the Botany and Quinn switches, there is an important distinction in how the top and bottom housings influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down, whereas the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced during the release of a key. Given that both switches utilize the same material composition, the differences in sound and feel will be subtly intermingled but influenced by the specific design of each switch. Users may find that their typing experience has depth in both push-down and release phases, fostering a harmonious sound profile throughout.
Ultimately, while the Akko Botany and Gateron Quinn switches utilize identical materials, the resulting typing experiences showcase the nuances inherent in their respective designs. The nylon construction contributes to a rich acoustic profile by absorbing sound, but the balance of the bottom-out and release sounds remains a pivotal element differentiating the two models. Users seeking a consistent typing experience can expect similarly rich results from either switch due to the converging influence of nylon on sound dynamics, while still appreciating the slight variations that might arise from individual switch design features.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less strain. In contrast, the Quinn switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel with each keystroke. This contrast means that while the Botany switch allows for a quicker, less strenuous typing experience, the Quinn offers greater resistance, which some typists may find more satisfying or secure. Overall, the Botany is the lighter option, whereas the Quinn is the heavier choice, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, a clear difference emerges, with the Botany having a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Quinn measures slightly less at 3.4 mm. This makes the Quinn the shorter of the two options, catering to gamers and users seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Botany offers a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. While both switches provide a satisfying experience, those who lean towards a shorter travel distance might find the Quinn more to their liking for its responsiveness, whereas the Botany will be favored by users who appreciate a deeper and more pronounced typing experience.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany switch offers a crisp, lively clacky sound that gives a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sharp, bright sound is ideal for users who enjoy a more percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch has a more complex sound profile, characterized by deep, resonant tones combined with a clacky quality. The bassier notes from the Quinn switch provide a rich sound experience that complements its tactile performance, giving the user an immersive auditory backdrop that is distinctly different from the Botany's more straightforward clack.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Akko Botany is known for its smooth action, though the specifics of its tactile quality aren't detailed; it can be assumed to provide a decent typing experience akin to other linear switches. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch is celebrated for its snappy responsiveness and polished feel, thanks to a well-constructed mechanism that includes features like longer springs and a high-quality finish. The Quinn's bouncy nature provides a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke lively and engaging. This tactile feedback is more pronounced than the presumed smoothness of the Botany switch.
Ultimately, both switches cater to different keyboard preferences. The Akko Botany linear switch offers a straightforward clacky sound ideal for purists seeking clarity and precision, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch stands out for its richer auditory experience combined with a responsive and tactile feedback that elevates the typing experience. If you favor a more traditional linear feel, the Botany is an appealing choice, but if you appreciate a multifaceted auditory and tactile interplay, the Quinn will more than deliver.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a bright, lively sound, the Botany switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram actuation force allows for quick, responsive typing, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and ease of use, especially in fast-paced gaming or heavy typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience, the 67-gram Quinn switch would be better suited for you. With its polished feel and a rich sound profile that ranges from deep and resonant to sharp and crisp, the Quinn adds character to each keystroke while providing a snappy tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a smooth and light typing experience or a more robust tactile feedback with a rich sound. Each switch caters to distinct preferences and use cases, ensuring that there's a perfect option for everyone.
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