Akko Botany vs. KTT Rose

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options to consider are the Akko Botany and the KTT Rose, both linear switches that cater to different typing experiences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switches offer a more nuanced experience with their unique progressive springs, providing a substantial yet not overly heavy typing feel, enhanced by the bassy raindrop sounds emitted during use. While the Botany excites with its vibrant acoustics, the Rose focuses on a balanced and polished typing experience that appeals to those who favor subtler sound profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

KTT Rose Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.01 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and KTT Rose switches showcase notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the acoustic and aesthetic qualities of each switch. The Botany employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This property allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in what can be described as a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Rose features a polycarbonate top housing that lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a brighter auditory feedback when typing, especially when RGB lighting is involved.

Despite their distinctions in top housing materials, both the Botany and the Rose utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material characteristic means that users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel when engaging with either switch. The nylon bottom housing enhances the tactile experience as it absorbs sound and dampens vibrations, producing a deepened auditory effect whether on the Botany or the Rose. Therefore, while the top housing contributes unique sound profiles, the consistency of the nylon material in the bottom housing ensures a shared element in the overall typing experience, making both switches attractive for users seeking deeper sound properties.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housings and identical bottom housings in the Botany and Rose can create a layered sound experience. The Botany's nylon top complements its nylon bottom to deliver a uniformly mellow sound, while the Rose's polycarbonate top balances out with its nylon bottom to create a vibrant blend of brightness and depth. Thus, while each switch has its unique sound signature due to the top housing material, the commonalities in the bottom housing ensure a familiar acoustic foundation that shapes the user experience, highlighting that the choice between the two comes down to a preference for either a softer or sharper sound profile.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to diverse preferences among typists and gamers. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, while the actuation force of the KTT Rose switch is unknown, its bottom out force of 63.5 grams suggests a medium-heavy feel that may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Botany switch is the lighter option between the two, while the Rose is heavier, providing a stark contrast in tactile feedback and user experience.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Rose linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Botany switch may offer a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor shorter travel distances for their speed. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel of the Rose switch could provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a heartier feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference; if you lean toward responsiveness, the Botany may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Rose would serve you well.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky tone that resonates when typing. This immediate auditory feedback can make the overall experience engaging and enjoyable, particularly for users who prefer a more dynamic sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch produces a low-pitched sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops. This unique tonal quality aligns it with a more mellow and bass-heavy experience, creating an inviting atmosphere for users who prefer a softer auditory output. While both switches may resonate differently, the final sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switch offers an experience that is not explicitly defined in the provided information but is generally representative of the linear switch characteristics, which often implies smooth key travel without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Rose switch is characterized as mild and polished. The mild nature of the Rose switch suggests a gentle typing experience that caters to users looking for a balance without overbearing tactile feedback, accommodating both newcomers and seasoned typists. The polished finish of the Rose switch promises smooth operation, reducing friction for a refined touch that enhances typing comfort, which may appeal to users who enjoy a slick keystroke.

Overall, while the Akko Botany and KTT Rose linear switches differ in their sound profiles—one being crisp and clacky and the other bassy and mellow—they both present unique feels that cater to various typing experiences. The Botany excels in providing an engaging auditory sensation, whereas the Rose focuses on a smooth and gentle touch. Each switch offers different strengths that can appeal to diverse user preferences, ensuring that whether you lean towards sound dynamics or tactile smoothness, you will find satisfaction in either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter and more dynamic typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound, the Botany switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to actuate, allowing for rapid key presses without much effort, making it particularly suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial and polished feel beneath your fingers, the KTT Rose could be more appealing with its medium-heavy 63.5-gram force and low-pitched, bassy sound. The progressive springs in the Rose provide a balanced typing experience that many find comforting and satisfying, making them a good fit for long typing sessions or everyday tasks, where a stable yet not overly heavy feel is desired. Ultimately, evaluate what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the sound profile, the actuation force, or the overall typing sensation—to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

KTT Rose Linear

$3.01 per 10

Learn more