Akko Botany vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Jerrzi Seashell offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clack, delivering an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience straight out of the box. It's an ideal choice for those who enjoy the satisfying sound of keystrokes while maintaining a smooth typing action. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell captivates not just with its aesthetically pleasing purple hue but also with its light and polished feel. This switch assures users a delightful experience over long periods, merging beauty with functionality for those who value both style and performance. Ultimately, while both switches promise an enjoyable typing journey, the choice between them often boils down to individual tastes in sound and aesthetics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Seashell reveals distinct sound profiles influenced by their respective top housing materials. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a rounded and muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Seashell utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Because of polycarbonate's stiffer composition, it generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper and more resonant. This contrast highlights the significant influence that the choice of top housing material has on the overall acoustic performance of the switches.
Interestingly, both the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Seashell feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing. This aspect of their design creates a commonality that balances the differing attributes of their top housings. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, consistent with the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a noticeable degree of consistency in the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon's ability to absorb sound helps maintain a more subdued auditory background, affecting the overall typing experience positively regardless of the differing materials in the top housing.
Ultimately, the split in housing materials highlights the intricate relationship between the design elements of the switches and their auditory output. With the nylon bottom housing providing a uniform foundation in both switches, users will find that the character of the sound produced while typing on either switch is largely determined by the top housing material. The Botany's nylon top produces a softer, more muted sound, while the Seashell's polycarbonate top elevates the sound to be sharper and more defined. As a result, the experience varies depending on the user's preference for sound profiles, making both options distinct yet intertwined through their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Botany switch is recorded at 45 grams, the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown, which leaves a gap in direct comparison for that specific metric. However, the disparity in actuation forces suggests that users can expect a lighter feel with the Botany switch and a heavier, more resistive touch with the Seashell switch. Overall, those who favor lightweight switches might lean towards the Akko Botany, while those seeking a stronger push would likely opt for the Jerrzi Seashell.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Botany switch offers a more pronounced keypress, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Seashell switch, with its shorter travel distance, may be more suited for users seeking quicker, more responsive key presses, which can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more substantial depth, the Akko Botany is the better choice, while the Jerrzi Seashell caters to those who favor speed and responsiveness with its shorter travel distance.
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 Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany switch delivers a crisp and lively clack, creating an engaging auditory experience that keyboard enthusiasts often cherish. This lively sound profile sets a vibrant tone, providing satisfaction with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch also possesses a notably clacky sound, but enhances this with a bright, high-pitched quality. The Seashell's sound is sharp and percussive, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, but the distinct characteristics of each will cater to different preferences, allowing users to select based on their acoustic desires.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switch offers an enjoyable typing experience; however, specific descriptors for its tactile quality are not provided, making a direct comparison challenging. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch boasts a feathery feel, characterized by its light actuation force that requires minimal exertion from the fingers. This easy-to-press design significantly reduces finger fatigue during extended use, promoting comfort whether one is typing or gaming. The Seashell also emphasizes a polished experience, suggesting smooth key travel and a refined touch. While the particulars of the Botany's tactile feedback remain unclear, the Seashell clearly offers a lightweight and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provide unique experiences appealing to different keyboard enthusiasts. The Botany impresses with its lively sound, while the Seashell shines with its bright, high-pitched tones and extremely light feel. While the exact traits of the Botany's feel are unknown, the Seashell’s emphasis on comfort and ease of use suggests that users may gravitate toward the latter for long typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences, and the choice between them should be guided by individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a light, lively typing experience that delivers a satisfying clacky sound right out of the box, then the Akko Botany is the way to go. Its bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it easy to press, ensuring that you can type for long hours without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, if you are drawn to aesthetics and desire a switch that requires minimal effort to activate, the Jerrzi Seashell is an excellent choice. Its feathery feel and easy-to-press characteristics provide a comfortable typing experience, while its striking purple hue adds a touch of visual flair to your setup. Both switches are designed to offer a delightful experience, but depending on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or lightness and visual appeal, your choice will guide you to the perfect switch for your keyboard enthusiasm.
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