Akko Botany vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role, and two notable contenders are the Akko Botany and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct characteristics. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, providing an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its medium-weight, all-POM design that maintains exceptional smoothness and a satisfying thocky sound profile, breaking price barriers without compromising quality. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Botany may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie attracts users seeking a smooth and refined typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Akko Botany and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, a key distinction lies in their housing materials. The Botany switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, renowned for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This characteristic generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a richer auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie switches feature a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing. POM is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is also deep but leans toward a more muted quality. Thus, while both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying sound profile, the materials employed lead to variations in their auditory nuances.

Despite employing different materials, both the Botany and Sea Salt Smoothie switches share a commonality in their sound profiles leaning towards a deeper tone. The nylon used in the Botany contributes to a rounded and duller sound, while the POM material in the Sea Salt Smoothie gives its sound a unique clearness but without the full richness that nylon offers. However, the inherent sound absorption properties of nylon can lead to a more cohesive audio experience in the Botany, as it mitigates higher frequencies more effectively than POM. Therefore, both switches may achieve a satisfying typing experience, but players might notice an additional depth and roundness from the Botany’s nylon housing.

The impact of each housing material extends beyond sound, affecting the tactile feel of the switches as well. The nylon used in the Botany is likely to provide a softer bottom-out feel, contributing to a more cushioned typing experience, while the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie might offer a slightly crisper response due to its firmer nature. When typing on the Botany, users may feel the nylon’s soft characteristics influence the overall experience more profoundly, particularly on bottoming out. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's firmer feel may enhance the clarity of tactile feedback, appealing to users who favor a more pronounced key actuation. Thus, while both switches are designed to deliver a quality typing experience, their material choices create distinct sensations that could cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, in contrast to the Sea Salt Smoothie, which has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This lighter force of the Botany makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press the keys. However, for users who prefer a more substantial feel or tactile feedback from their keyboard, the Sea Salt Smoothie's greater actuation force may provide that desired sensation. The bottom out force for the Botany is recorded at 45 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key feel and typing comfort, with the Botany being the lighter option and the Sea Salt Smoothie offering a heavier feel.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit slightly different travel distances, with the Botany measuring 3.6 mm and the Sea Salt Smoothie at 3.7 mm. This makes the Akko Botany the shorter of the two switches, allowing for a more responsive feel that gamers may prefer for quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with a travel distance of 3.7 mm, offers a bit more depth, which some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it means that those who desire rapid responsiveness might lean toward the Botany, whereas individuals seeking a heartier feel could find the Sea Salt Smoothie more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on individual preferences for sensitivity and typing comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is renowned for its crisp, lively clack, which provides an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. This vocal quality is distinctive, offering an energetic tone that may be particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced sound from their keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch produces a thocky sound profile, which tends to be deeper and more resonant. This thockiness paired with the switch's smoothness creates a more muted yet satisfying acoustic environment. It's important to note that while these sound characteristics define each switch, the actual sound produced can still vary based on factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material.

Regarding feel, the Akko Botany switch is characterized by a lively and bouncy sensation that often makes every keystroke feel spirited and responsive. This can facilitate a more dynamic typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a bit of feedback as they type. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch is recognized for its medium weight and exceptional smoothness. This combination offers a more subdued yet comfortable experience, contributing to a more fluid keypress with less resistance. Both these switches provide distinct tactile impressions, allowing users to choose based on personal preference whether they favor a more energetic feel or a smooth and consistent operation.

Ultimately, both the Akko Botany and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you are drawn to the lively clacking sound of the Botany or the thocky depth of the Sea Salt Smoothie, and whether you prefer the bouncy feel or the smooth operation, you can expect to find a satisfying experience with either switch. The choice ultimately boils down to personal taste and typing style, ensuring that both options can yield enjoyable results when properly matched with the right keyboard and keycaps.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a light touch and prefer a more lively, clacky typing experience, the Akko Botany switch, with its 45-gram actuation force, is likely a better fit for you. This switch provides a crisp auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more responsive and energetic sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that prioritizes smoothness and a thocky sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the way to go. Its unique blend of materials ensures a premium feel while delivering a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you favor a lively typing experience or a smooth, deeper sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more