Akko Botany vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Huano Sakura offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clack, making every keystroke feel invigorating and responsive, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch, accompanied by medium acoustics, which are particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches fall into the linear category, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, but they cater to different priorities: the Botany emphasizes sound and tactile response, while the Sakura focuses on comfort and endurance. 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

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Huano Sakura switches, one immediately notices a distinction in their top housing materials. The Botany utilizes nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic contributes to a rounder sound profile, which enhances the tactile feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sakura employs POK material, a polyketone that boasts impressive durability and smoothness, albeit with a sound profile leaning towards a clackier essence. While both materials serve the function of providing a satisfying typing experience, the underlying characteristics of nylon versus POK distinctly influence the overall auditory and tactile outcomes.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Botany and Sakura utilize nylon, which means they share the same foundational sound and feel characteristics. This similarity ensures that typing on either switch will result in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the soft nature of nylon that absorbs sound effectively. As a softer plastic, nylon in the bottom housing contributes to the overall bottom-out experience, leading to a consistently pleasant feel when keys are engaged. Thus, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a level of consistency in sound and tactile feedback between the two switches.

When considering the overall impact of the different materials, it becomes clear that the top and bottom housing interplay significantly affects the typing experience. With the Botany’s nylon top housing reinforcing a rounded sound profile and the Sakura’s POK top housing introducing a smoother and clackier response, the differences are pronounced. However, since both switches employ the nylon bottom housing, this commonality helps to deliver a cohesive experience at the base of the switch. Therefore, while the two switches exhibit contrasting materials in their top housings, the uniformity of nylon at the bottom ensures that both offerings maintain a sense of unity in their performance.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Sakura switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams, also with a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches exhibit the same bottom out force, meaning that regardless of the actuation force, users will experience the same resistance when pressing the key all the way down. This makes the Akko Botany heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, potentially appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. For individuals who enjoy a more robust typing experience, both switches maintain a light bottom out resistance, but those preferring a subtler actuation might lean towards the Sakura switch.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience identical feedback concerning the key's depth and responsiveness, as both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. With this equal travel distance, users can expect a comparable typing feel and performance between the two switches, making either a suitable choice for those who prefer a uniform experience in their keyboard interactions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp, lively, and distinctly clacky auditory profile. This immediate character provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy, lending a dynamic quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch features a more subdued acoustic experience with medium acoustics, highlighting a gentler sound that is well-suited for prolonged typing sessions without overwhelming distractions. It's important to note that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, so individual experiences may differ.

When examining the tactile feel, the Akko Botany switch is recognized for its engaging and responsive touch, providing a delightful sensation upon actuation that enhances the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switch is designed for a feather-light touch, which allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience that is particularly advantageous for users who type for extended periods. This combination of lightness and comfort with the Sakura can reduce fatigue during long sessions, while the Botany’s responsiveness may appeal to those who appreciate a more tactile feedback.

Overall, both the Akko Botany and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Botany's lively clackiness may suit users who thrive on auditory feedback and responsiveness, while the Sakura's feather-light touch and moderate acoustics make it an ideal choice for typists who value comfort and a quieter experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile engagement, with both switches offering unique qualities to enhance the mechanical typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a light and lively typing experience with a crisp, clacky sound, the Botany switch may be the better option for you. It's especially suited for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback while typing, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who want a switch that keeps them engaged. On the other hand, if you prioritize long-term comfort during extensive typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switch shines with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics. This makes it a great fit for users who prefer a smoother, quieter experience—especially for tasks that require prolonged keyboard usage without fatigue. Consider what you’re primarily using your keyboard for, and whether sound and feel are major factors in your typing experience, and you’ll find it easier to select the right switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more