Akko Botany vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Durock Sea Glass present intriguing options for those who prefer linear switches, each with its own distinct characteristics. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an enticing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches are renowned for their unique pastel colors and a typing experience that combines a dry, airy feel with a smooth action. Weighing in at 62g for bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches offer an unexpectedly light typing experience, characterized by their frictionless design and a hollow sound signature. While the Botany caters to users who enjoy engaging tactile sounds, the Sea Glass excels in providing a visually appealing and smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and Durock Sea Glass switches, notable differences emerge. The Akko Botany utilizes traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, minimizing sharp highs and resulting in a more muted, rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its housings. While the Sea Glass still retains some of the qualities of nylon, the inclusion of UHMWPE alters its acoustic properties, offering a slightly brighter sound that is pleasant but less resonant than that of the Botany switches.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and Durock Sea Glass implement nylon, albeit with distinct tonal characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Botany ensures a deep sound profile, aligning with its overall theme of softness and warmth. In contrast, the Sea Glass's combination of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing lands it on the brighter scale of audio feedback. This distinction highlights how the material variations influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switches; the Botany provides a rounder response, while the Sea Glass has a crisper delivery.

Both switches showcase how the interplay of housing materials affects typing experience, albeit in unique ways. If one were to use both switches, the divergence in sound profiles would be most evident in the initial keystroke, chiefly determined by the bottom housing. Upon releasing the key, however, the characteristics of the top housing come into play. The Botany, with its nylon top, would foster that familiar, rounded sound, while the Sea Glass’s polymer blend introduces a brighter tone. Despite the differences, a user could achieve a similar tactile feel across both switches with the right typing technique, illustrating the nuanced nature of mechanical switches and their acoustic responses.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for long hours of use, like in work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial feel that enthusiasts may find appealing. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Botany is 45 grams, while the Sea Glass features a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that when completely pressed down, the Sea Glass delivers a more pronounced resistance compared to the Botany. Overall, while the Botany is lighter, catering to those who prefer less force during use, the Sea Glass offers a heftier push that some may find more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we find that the Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Botany switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Sea Glass switch may provide a more substantial tactile feel, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper and potentially more satisfying keypress. Therefore, individuals who prioritize responsiveness might opt for the Botany, whereas those who prefer a heftier push could lean towards the Sea Glass.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Akko Botany and Durock Sea Glass linear switches, the Botany is known for producing a crisp, lively clacky sound right from the outset, delivering a vibrant auditory experience that many typists find enjoyable. This sound quality can add a more dynamic and engaging element to typing, making it ideal for users who appreciate audible feedback. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches emit a uniquely hollow sound signature, which creates a different auditory experience characterized by an airy and slightly subdued essence. While the Botany is more pronounced and lively, the Sea Glass offers a more subtle sound that might appeal to those preferring a quieter typing environment.

In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switches present an unknown quality, but the Durock Sea Glass switches are notable for their frictionless typing experience, which makes each keystroke effortless and smooth. Described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, the Sea Glass switches require minimal exertion, greatly reducing finger fatigue during extended use. This combination of light actuation and smooth travel enhances comfort for a variety of typing tasks, making them approachable for any user. The Botany, with its unspecified feel, may not offer the same level of comfort, especially for prolonged typing sessions.

In summary, the Akko Botany and Durock Sea Glass switches provide distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Botany is characterized by a lively and crisp sound profile, while the Sea Glass is known for its hollow and airy auditory presence. When it comes to feel, the Sea Glass switches are celebrated for their frictionless and gentle action, fostering a delightful typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. Overall, while the two switches cater to different preferences, both can deliver satisfying results based on individual user needs and typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a playful, lively sound right out of the box, the Botany switch may be the ideal option for you. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, you’ll find that the Botany provides an effortless typing experience, making it well-suited for long sessions of typing, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a switch that offers a slightly heavier feel with a unique, airy sound signature, then the Durock Sea Glass would likely be more to your taste. The 62-gram bottom-out force gives you a consistent typing experience that feels notably smooth and frictionless, allowing for less finger fatigue during extended use. Ultimately, if you prioritize a crisp auditory feedback, go for the Botany, while if you want a refined and visually appealing switch with an exceptional tactile experience, the Sea Glass should be your pick.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more