Akko Botany vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, switch choice can dramatically influence your typing experience, and the Akko Botany and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches present two compelling options. The Botany switches are renowned for their lively, clacky sound straight out of the box, offering a crisp auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile experience for those who enjoy a bit of personality in their keystrokes. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) boasts an extremely quiet sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth, muted, and more discreet typing experience; the pillowy-like feel adds another layer of comfort that many users appreciate. While the Botany may appeal to those looking for an expressive typing experience with noticeable audible feedback, the Silent Frozen (V2) could be ideal for individuals in quieter environments or for those who type for long hours and prefer a less disruptive sound. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Akko Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more resonant sound. Nylon's relatively soft nature allows it to absorb sound vibrations, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic can create a more muted but satisfying typing experience, especially appreciated by those who favor a classic or vintage feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which leads to a sharper, clearer sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances the resonance of each keystroke, creating a higher-pitched and crisper audio feedback. This may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced typing experience, especially in environments where clarity and sound sharpness are prioritized. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucency not only serves a functional purpose by beautifully showcasing RGB lighting but also enhances the visual aesthetic of the keyboard.
Despite the distinct materials used in the Akko Botany and TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both designs can achieve similar results in certain aspects of typing experience. Although nylon's absorption leads to a softer sound profile, and polycarbonate's resonance results in a clearer sound, each switch's construction ultimately shapes the overall typing feedback. In practice, both switches benefit from the synergy of their top and bottom housings, with the nylon on the Botany contributing to a smooth and full typing experience, and the polycarbonate on the Silent Frozen enhancing its crispness and clarity. Users can expect different sound signatures and tactile feedback from each switch, while each is capable of delivering satisfying responsiveness in their own unique way.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, both of which are categorized as light switches, we see some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the 39 grams of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2). However, the bottom out force of the Botany is 45 grams, which is heavier than the Silent Frozen’s bottom out force of 43 grams. This suggests that while the Akko Botany provides an easier keystroke activation, it takes a bit more effort to fully register a keypress compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2). For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that reduces fatigue during long use, the Akko Botany would be a favorable choice. Conversely, users looking for a more substantial feel with slightly heavier feedback during bottoming out might lean towards the Silent Frozen (V2). Overall, both switches offer a light typing experience, but the differences in actuation and bottom out forces can influence user preference based on their typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, a slight distinction emerges. The Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Akko Botany offers a longer travel distance by 0.1 mm, providing users with a slightly deeper feel with each key press. For those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, the Botany's longer distance might be more appealing. Conversely, the Silent Frozen (V2), with its marginally shorter travel distance, may cater better to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Botany being the longer option and the Silent Frozen (V2) the shorter one.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 offer a crisp and lively clacky sound that adds character to any typing experience. This vibrant auditory feedback makes each keystroke feel engaging and energetic, perfect for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches are designed with extremely quiet sound profiles, characterized by a thocky nature that produces a deep, low-pitched sound while being notably muted. This can provide a satisfying typing experience while being suitable for shared spaces, as they minimize keyboard noise significantly.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switches present a tactile sensation that many users find enjoyable, though specific descriptions are not available. Meanwhile, the Silent Frozen (V2) switches excel in delivering a creamy, buttery, and polished tactile feedback that results in a smooth and effortless typing experience. The lightness of the actuation provides a feathery touch, reducing finger fatigue during extended usage. The combination of these qualities makes the Silent Frozen (V2) switches exceptionally user-friendly, especially in environments where quiet operation is essential.
In conclusion, if you're drawn to an engaging and lively auditory experience, the Akko Botany linear switches will satisfy that preference with their crisp clack. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches are ideal for those who require a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, featuring low-pitch, muted sounds, and a creamy feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize noise level or tactile feedback, but both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the usage context. If you are looking for a lively, engaging typing experience characterized by a crisp and clacky sound, the Akko Botany switches will suit you well. Their 45-gram actuation force provides a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy, making it ideal for enthusiastic typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, if you prioritize a quieter environment or work in a shared space where minimal noise is essential, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) would be the better option. With a slightly lighter 43-gram actuation force, these switches offer an exceptionally smooth, creamy, and buttery feel, combined with a muted, thocky sound profile that minimizes distraction while providing a rich sound experience. Thus, consider your typing style and environment carefully; whether you prefer the vibrant feedback of the Botany or the serene comfort of the Silent Frozen (V2) will guide your ultimate choice in mechanical keyboard switches.
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