Akko Botany vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is renowned for its vibrant, clacky sound profile, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find exhilarating. This switch is ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who thrive on sound and smooth keystrokes, as it delivers a consistent feel without any tactile bump. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch designed to provide a medium level of resistance upon actuation, offering satisfying feedback without overwhelming noise—making it an excellent choice for those in office settings or shared spaces. While the Botany excites with its lively acoustics, the Silent Bluish White (V2) cultivates a more subtle typing experience that promotes focus and concentration. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound energy, thereby generating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate accentuates higher frequencies, leading to a crisper typing sound that is particularly beneficial when utilized with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better light diffusion.
Both switch models, however, share the same material—nylon—used in their bottom housings. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, the characteristics of sound produced by the bottom housing will unify the overall sound experience. With nylon being a classic choice for switch bottom housings, both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile as they absorb and soften the impact during the bottom-out action. Thus, while the top housing contributes distinctly to each switch’s sound profile, the reinforcing properties of the nylon bottom housing lend an element of cohesion in the resulting sound.
Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles generated by the two switches are influenced by the differing top materials and the shared bottom material. Users can expect a muted and rounded sound when typing on the Akko Botany due to its nylon top housing, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) will provide a sharper and more resonant experience, thanks to its polycarbonate top. However, the complementary effect of the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the deeper audio characteristics remain consistent. For enthusiasts aiming for a specific sound experience, both switches can be appealing; the choice ultimately comes down to a preference for the brighter clarity of polycarbonate or the deeper resonance of nylon at the upper end.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence user preference. The Akko Botany features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has a higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams—resulting in a somewhat heavier feel. This difference means that typists or gamers who prioritize longer sessions may find the lighter Botany more comfortable for extended use, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier TTC switch. Both switches are considered light relative to many other options on the market, but the Botany is specifically the lighter of the two, offering a softer touch during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we observe a slight difference: the Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Silent Bluish White (V2) the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more streamlined travel. Conversely, the Akko Botany offers a slightly longer travel distance, which could provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced keypress sensation. Both switches fall within a contemporary range of travel distances, aligning with the trend toward shorter options, but with subtle differences that cater to varying preferences in typing feel and responsiveness.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 linear switch produces a crisp and lively clacky noise that typifies many enthusiast linear switches, making it an engaging choice for users who enjoy an auditory feedback as they type. This sound is a significant factor in its appeal, as many users find a certain joy in the acoustic experience of their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches operate on a completely different spectrum; they are designed to minimize noise, producing a muted sound characteristic that is particularly advantageous in quieter environments such as offices or shared living spaces. The focus on noise reduction provides a more discreet typing experience, attracting users who prioritize a tranquil workspace while still enjoying the tactile feel of mechanical switches.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch delivers a standard linear experience characterized by smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, ensuring that the typing flow remains uninterrupted. Many users appreciate this seamless typing sensation, as it allows for fast and fluid typing, ideal for gaming or high-speed typing tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile response, blending a buttery smoothness with a mild, stepped feel. This combination results in a more pronounced tactile feedback, which many typists find satisfying. The subtle resistance throughout the keystroke provides a sense of control and precision, allowing users to execute each keystroke with confidence while remaining relatively unobtrusive in terms of noise.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch cater to different user preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Botany's clacky acoustics and seamless linear feedback make it ideal for those who enjoy audible typing experiences, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) appeals to those seeking a quieter solution without sacrificing tactile enjoyment. Choosing between these two options will ultimately come down to whether you prioritize sound or a tactile response in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a switch with a lighter feel and enjoy sound feedback while typing, the Botany's 45g actuation force and lively clacky sound profile make it an excellent choice, especially for enthusiasts who relish the mechanical keyboard experience during gaming or casual typing. However, if your priority is a quieter environment—such as in an office or shared living space—the Silent Bluish White (V2) will suit you better with its muted sound and a moderately tactile feel. Its 50g actuation force provides a comfortable yet precise typing experience without the distraction of noise, ensuring your work environment remains peaceful. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your typical usage and the atmosphere around you when making your decision.
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