Akko Botany vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear present two distinct options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, each with unique characteristics and sound profiles. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its vibrant, clacky sound that adds a lively auditory experience right from the moment you begin typing, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more spirited keystroke sound. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique take on the linear switch experience; while it delivers a silky smooth feel and a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound, its semi-silent feature provides a quieter topping-out sound, catering to users who prefer a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Botany for those who revel in auditory feedback and the Semi-Silent Linear for those seeking a balance of smoothness and reduced noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches exhibit a contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Botany features a nylon top housing, renowned for creating a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This quality allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer structure that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The unique properties of polycarbonate not only enhance the clarity and resonance of each keystroke but also contribute to a more vibrant soundscape, particularly appealing to those who favor brighter acoustics in their mechanical switches.

Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This similarity means that they elicit a deep and full sound profile during key presses, as nylon’s characteristics lend themselves well to absorbing sound. As a result, both the Akko Botany and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches will deliver a consistent bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom contributes to a more subdued auditory response, allowing users to experience a softer thud upon the keys’ actuation. This commonality helps bridge the differences caused by their respective top housing materials, ensuring that the foundational experience remains somewhat aligned despite their disparate top acoustics.

Interestingly, the interplay between the top and bottom housings affects the overall user experience of both switches. While the nylon bottom offers a consistent sound profile across both models, the top housing materials shape the audible experience of keystrokes in distinct manners. The Akko Botany's nylon top will yield a mellower sound during key releases, while the Jwick's polycarbonate will provide a more pronounced auditory feedback as users release the keys. Thus, while they both benefit from a nylon bottom housing, the differing top materials allow for a layered sound experience that can cater to various preferences in typing acoustics, demonstrating the nuanced impact of housing materials in mechanical switch design.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unspecified actuation force but carries a heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Semi-Silent Linear is the heavier option, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push feel for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for comfort, the Akko Botany linear switch would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear caters to those who favor a bit more heft in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there is a slight difference. The Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear, with its additional millimeter, allows for a deeper press that might be favored by users looking for a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to individual preferences for response time versus a more pronounced key travel feel; with the Akko Botany's shorter distance catering to those prioritizing speed, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a lengthier, more traditional option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch is renowned for its crisp, lively clacky sound that makes it a joy for typists who enjoy auditory feedback with their keystrokes. Right out of the box, it delivers an engaging acoustic experience that can enhance the pleasure of typing. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch introduces a more varied sound profile. While it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound typical of linear switches, its topping-out sound is whisper-quiet, providing a more subdued acoustic experience. This allows users to enjoy the gentle sound signature, making the Semi-Silent Linear suitable for both office environments and quieter home settings, where the level of noise might be a concern.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch offers a tactile experience that is both lively and engaging, inviting users to type with enthusiasm. Although specific details about the Botany's feel are not provided, the reputation it holds suggests that it can be both responsive and engaging. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized by its mild and approachable typing experience. It strikes a balance between offering a snappy response and a buttery smooth keystroke, making it ideal for users who prefer a seamless and fluid action while typing. The polished nature of the Semi-Silent Linear further enhances the overall experience by reducing friction, which is particularly appealing for longer typing sessions.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Botany excels with its lively clack that some typists find satisfying, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique blend of subdued noise and smooth, responsive typing. Users searching for a balance in both sound and tactile feedback will find both switches appealing, though the choice will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding typing acoustics and the desired typing feel. Whether you are drawn to the crispness of the Botany or the refined subtlety of the Semi-Silent Linear, each will deliver a rewarding mechanical typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage environment. If you value a lighter touch and enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback with that crisp, clacky sound when typing, the Botany would be an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suitable for those who type for prolonged periods or prefer a less strenuous key press. This switch adds an energetic feel to your typing experience, perfect for those who thrive on a lively sound profile. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter environment, such as an office or shared space, and seek a more subtle auditory experience without sacrificing the dynamic feel of a linear switch, the Semi-Silent Linear would be the way to go. Its heavier 62-gram bottom-out force provides a more robust typing experience while maintaining a subdued sound, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing others around you. In essence, choose the Botany for a vibrant and lively typing experience and opt for the Semi-Silent Linear if you prefer a balance between smoothness and subtlety in sound while still enjoying the responsiveness of a linear switch.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more