Akko Botany vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between the Akko Botany and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring present keyboard enthusiasts with intriguing options tailored to different preferences. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback right from the box, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that offers a unique dual-spring design, providing a medium-high level of tactility accompanied by deep, resonating thocks that appeal to users who prefer a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. While the Botany is ideal for those seeking speed and a consistent feel suited for gaming or extended typing sessions, the Shadow switch caters to individuals who appreciate a more nuanced typing experience characterized by its tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs!
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, the most prominent distinction lies in the materials used for their housings. The Botany features a nylon top and bottom housing, well-known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's relatively softer properties. This allows the material to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience which many users find desirable for a more muted typing feel. Contrarily, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is stiffer and, as a consequence, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that yields a crisper auditory feedback. This makes polycarbonate a popular choice for those looking for a more pronounced and resonant sound, particularly appealing in RGB lighting setups due to its translucency and vibrant aesthetic.
Despite the differences in materials, one can achieve a similar overall typing experience with both switches depending on personal preference. The nylon construction of the Botany excels in creating a full-bodied typing sound that is softer and less abrasive. However, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its polycarbonate build, offers a clearer and more defined feedback. While the switches will elicit distinct sound profiles because of their housing materials, the nature of typing—specifically the tactile feedback and acoustics—allows enthusiasts to enjoy each switch's unique offerings. Those who appreciate a muted experience may gravitate towards the Botany, while users seeking a sharper sound may prefer the Shadow (Ink).
Furthermore, the split characteristics between the top and bottom housings play a critical role in the typing experience for both models. The nylon in the Botany contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, as its softness dampens vibrations for a more cushioned experience when keys are fully pressed down. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate materials in the Shadow (Ink) provide a firmer feedback at the bottom-out, which can lead to a more tactile experience when hitting the keys. Simultaneously, the top housing informs the sound on release; in this case, the harder polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) may add to its resonate qualities when releasing a key, while the nylon in the Botany further rounds out the sound. In summary, while the switches use different materials leading to varied auditory experiences, aspects like user preference and typing style create an opportunity for similar satisfaction across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Botany switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience, which can reduce fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, delivering a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. Consequently, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, while the Aflion Shadow is the heavier switch, appealing to different preferences based on typing style and comfort. This contrast suggests that users looking for a lighter touch should gravitate towards the Botany, while those desiring a stronger push will find the Shadow to be a better fit.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Botany offers a shorter actuation point compared to the Shadow switch, which may be preferable for gamers or those who favor quicker response times in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Shadow switch, with its longer 4 mm travel, could provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Botany being the more responsive option and the Shadow catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 switches are notable for their crisp and lively clacky sound that is immediately enjoyable right out of the box, offering a sharp, bright auditory experience with each keystroke. This clackiness leads to an engaging and percussive typing atmosphere, making it pleasant for those who appreciate a pronounced sound profile. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide a deeper and more resonant thock when activated, which gives a rich and bassy tone that might appeal to users who favor a sound with more body. The distinction between the crisp clacks of the Botany and the resonating thocks of the Shadow creates different auditory experiences that can influence user preference based on sound aesthetics.
When considering the feel, the Botany switches are characterized by a lively sensation, though specific feel qualities are not detailed here. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches present a more defined tactile experience. With a pronounced and sharp tactile bump, users can expect a high level of feedback intensity that is both snappy and accented, due to the dual-staged spring design. This bounce and liveliness come together to create a dynamic typing experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, thus providing a satisfying engagement with each keypress.
Overall, while both the Akko Botany linear switches and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer unique characteristics, they excel in different aspects of sound and feel that cater to diverse preferences. The Botany delivers a bright, clacky auditory experience with a lively touch, whereas the Shadow offers deep thocks and a pronounced tactile feedback that many users may find advantageous for its responsiveness and bounce. Depending on your personal preferences in sound and feel, either switch may bring distinct advantages to your mechanical keyboard experience, allowing you to choose based on what resonates more with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and requirements. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a crisp, lively clacky sound, the Botany is an excellent choice, especially for users who enjoy rapid typing or gaming. Its 45-gram actuation force allows for quick, effortless key presses and a satisfying auditory experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback experience paired with deeper sound dynamics, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the better option. With a medium to high tactility and a more pronounced feedback sensation due to its dual-stage spring, this switch provides a robust typing experience, suitable for tasks that require more nuanced and deliberate key engagement. The 63-gram actuation force might feel more substantial, giving you that reassurance during typing sessions while offering deeper, resonating thocks for a rewarding auditory response. In essence, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother experience or a more tactile, engaging interaction with additional auditory satisfaction.
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