Akko Botany vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a pivotal role in creating an enjoyable typing experience. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, stands out for its lively clacky sound, providing users with an engaging auditory feedback straight out of the box, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more expressive typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown offers a tactile experience characterized by a subtle, yet satisfying rounded bump, paired with a muted sound profile that caters to those seeking a quieter workspace without sacrificing feedback. While the Botany switch may appeal to gamers and typists who prefer a more dynamic sound, the Silent Brown is perfect for professionals or students in shared environments looking for comfort and discretion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, with the Botany utilizing nylon and the Silent Brown employing polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Botany is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a more muted keystroke experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown generates a sharper and crisper sound profile, as the stiffer nature of polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing to those who prioritize visual effects in their keyboards.
On the other hand, both the Akko Botany and TTC Silent Brown switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a remarkable similarity in the sound profile when the switches are fully depressed. Regardless of the differences in their top housing, the nylon bottom housing brings forth characteristics consistent with a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches will exhibit a similar bottom-out sound and tactile feel when pressed down, providing a cohesive typing experience for users who appreciate this type of feedback.
In summary, while the top housings of the Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Brown switches create distinct sound profiles—nylon producing a deeper sound and polycarbonate yielding a sharper tone—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a familiar tactile experience when typing. Users who favor a more muted sound may prefer the Akko Botany, while those who appreciate a crisper audio response might lean towards the Silent Brown. However, thanks to the nylon bottom housing present in both switches, they will likely find comparable results in terms of the bottom-out feel and sound—a testament to the efficacy of nylon as a housing material across different switch designs.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer feel, allowing for more comfortable typing during long sessions. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams and boasts a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. While both switches have the same actuation force, their bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Botany being lighter overall. Thus, for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, the Akko Botany would be the favorable choice, while those who desire more resistance for a tactile feel should consider the TTC Silent Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown measures at 3.8 mm. This makes the Akko Botany the shorter option by 0.2 mm. The difference in travel distance may influence user preference based on their typing or gaming style; those looking for quicker response times might lean towards the shorter Botany switch, whereas those favoring a more substantial feel may prefer the longer Silent Brown switch. Overall, the contrast in their travel distances highlights different tactile experiences, catering to a range of preferences among users.
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 Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 Linear switches offer a crisp and lively clacky sound that many enthusiasts enjoy. This characteristic allows for an engaging and expressive typing experience that can be quite satisfying, especially for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are designed with a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise associated with typical mechanical switches. This makes them especially suitable for quieter environments or office settings where noise may be a concern. Overall, while the Botany switches provide an immersive auditory experience, the Silent Browns focus on discretion.
Regarding feel, the Botany switches are noted for their lively response, though specific details on their tactile qualities are not provided. In contrast, the TTC Silent Browns offer a buttery and polished typing experience. The buttery feel is indicative of a smooth keystroke, allowing for fluid typing without interruptions, while the polished finish reduces friction and elevates the overall typing sensation, making it both comfortable and refined. This combination of qualities means the Silent Browns cater to users who prioritize a seamless typing experience over distinct tactile feedback.
In summary, while the Akko Botany Linear and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches differ significantly in sound, with one offering a loud and clacky experience and the other providing a muted profile, their tactile sensations remain less clear for the Botany switches. The Silent Browns, however, deliver a notably smooth and polished experience. For users, the choice between these two switches will largely come down to personal preference regarding sound and typing feel, as both switches appeal to different aspects of the typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a lighter touch with a more dynamic typing experience, the Botany is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force of 45 grams allows for rapid key presses, making it suitable for gaming or typing where responsiveness is key. Additionally, if you enjoy a lively and crisp sound while you type, the Botany's characteristic clacky audio will enhance your experience, making it a joy for those who appreciate acoustic feedback in their typing. However, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more muted and understated sound profile, along with a tactile feel, the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go. With a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a satisfying resistance and a pronounced tactile bump that many find comfortable for long typing sessions. Furthermore, their muted sound helps keep noise to a minimum, making them ideal for quiet office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches reflects your priorities—whether it's the lively acoustics and responsiveness of the Botany or the balanced tactile feedback and subdued sound of the Silent Brown.
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