Akko Botany vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders that stand out are the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both of which feature linear designs that offer a smooth and uninterrupted key press. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound that adds an engaging auditory experience to every keystroke, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a bit of acoustic flair in their typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches shine with their exceptionally bright clacky characteristics and light touch, delivering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation that cater to users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. While both switches offer appealing traits—whether it's the Botany's pronounced acoustic profile or the Salt Ice's lively responsiveness—each switch has its own unique advantages that may suit different user preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, a significant distinction emerges between the nylon used in the Botany and the polycarbonate present in the Salt Ice. The Botany's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a unique auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively, producing a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Salt Ice switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate not only enhances clarity and resonance but also makes it more visually appealing, particularly when RGB lighting is integrated, as its translucency allows for better light transmission.
The impact of these materials can be further analyzed by considering how they influence the overall typing experience. With the Akko Botany's nylon components, users can expect a more subdued auditory response, which could be preferable for those who favor quieter, more nuanced typing. Conversely, the polycarbonate construction of the Jerrzi Salt Ice is likely to appeal to typists who enjoy pronounced and invigorating keystrokes. This contrast in sound profiles extends from the top housing to the bottom; each housing material imparts its unique attributes during both keypress and release. If a switch had both top and bottom housing made of nylon, the result would showcase a cohesive and enriched sound character, whereas the Salt Ice’s dual polycarbonate construction promotes a consistency in crispness throughout the entire typing action.
Ultimately, while the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their differing housing materials, both serve their purpose within the realm of mechanical keyboards effectively. If one were to blend nylon and polycarbonate components, the resultant sound profile would reflect a hybrid approach, where the softness of nylon could temper the sharper notes of polycarbonate, creating a balanced auditory experience that incorporates the qualities of both materials. Thus, depending on the specific combination of these materials, similar results could potentially be achieved in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics, providing users a tailored experience based on their preferences.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation forces, impacting the typing experience for users. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, resulting in a more effortless keystroke, which may be preferred for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch has a heavier actuation force at 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who favor a firmer push when typing. While the bottom out force for the Botany is at 45 grams, indicating a solid resistance once fully depressed, the Salt Ice's bottom out force remains unknown. Consequently, the Botany is the lighter option overall, appealing to users looking for a less strenuous typing experience, whereas the Salt Ice caters to those who appreciate greater actuation resistance. Despite the unknown bottom out force of the Salt Ice, the difference in their actuation forces clearly sets apart their intended user experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Botany switch offers a bit more depth during keystrokes, which can provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer greater travel distance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch, being shorter, caters to gamers and users who appreciate faster response times and a more abrupt keystroke. If responsiveness is your priority, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may be the better choice. Conversely, for those who enjoy a more tactile experience, the Akko Botany switch's longer travel distance could be more appealing. Overall, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Botany's 3.6 mm travel distance is relatively longer compared to the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 linear switches deliver a crisp, lively clacky sound that’s quite engaging right from the start. This auditory profile makes them appealing for users who appreciate a notable acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches provide an exceptionally bright and clacky sound as well, characterized by their vibrant feedback. Both switches have a spirited auditory presence, though personal preferences and the specific keyboard and keycap combinations will ultimately influence the overall sound experience.
As for the feel, the Akko Botany switches offer a smooth and satisfying linear experience without any tactile bumps, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes on each press. Similarly, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a light touch that makes for a responsive and effortless typing experience. This similarity in linear action ensures that users will enjoy a fluid and uninterrupted flow whether they choose the Botany or Salt Ice switches, catering to a typing style that prioritizes speed and smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches cater to users seeking an engaging auditory experience along with a smooth typing feel. They each bring a lively sound profile and a fluid linear action that can create a dynamic typing experience, making them excellent options for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboards. Depending on individual sound preferences and the setup, either switch can deliver a satisfying experience, allowing users to reach delightful results in their typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing and gaming experiences. If you prefer a switch that offers a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams along with a crispy, lively sound profile, the Botany switch may be more suited to your needs, especially if you enjoy a clacky feedback during your keystrokes. This makes it a great option for casual typing or productivity tasks where expressiveness is valued. On the other hand, if you seek an energetic and responsive typing experience with vibrant feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch could be your ideal match. Its bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with an effortless actuation, would appeal to those who appreciate a fast-paced and dynamic touch for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, consider what qualities are most important to you—whether it's a lighter touch and unique sound of the Botany or the lively responsiveness of the Salt Ice—and choose the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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