Akko Botany vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two compelling options that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its distinctive, crisp, and lively clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible typing experience and want their keystrokes to resonate. This linear switch excels in delivering a satisfying tactile response, appealing to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a lively auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for quieter environments, offering a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel that reduces noise without sacrificing comfort. This switch is perfect for individuals who need to minimize distractions in shared spaces or prefer a muted, polished experience while typing. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different needs and preferences; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches present a fascinating contrast in their housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Akko Botany features a nylon top and bottom housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound characteristic. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This material choice cultivates a rich auditory experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a muted, yet satisfying typing sound. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is crafted to deliver a higher-pitched, thinner sound. The INK blend is noted for its clacky and pointed sound profile, contributing to a typing experience that emphasizes sharp auditory feedback.
While the core materials of each switch vary, both utilize their respective housing materials to create distinct sound profiles. The nylon used in the Botany’s construction is forgiving and dampening, which plays a critical role in shaping the sound upon key release, not just at bottom-out. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's INK blend material sharpens the sound generated during both the press and release of the keys, creating a more tactile engagement while typing. The contrast in sound profiles—between the soft, absorbed tones of the Botany and the bright, clacky tones of the Silent Ink Black—highlights the significance of material choice in switch design.
In sum, the different materials of the Akko Botany and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches fundamentally shape their auditory responses, providing a varied typing experience. Users can expect the nylon housing of the Botany to deliver a more subdued sound, enhancing a focused typing atmosphere, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black will cater to those who prefer a more lively and engaging auditory experience. Despite the differences, the outcome of each switch caters to specific user preferences, demonstrating how changing a single aspect of switch design can lead to drastically different sounds and feelings during use.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. This means that users who enjoy a softer keystroke experience may gravitate towards the Botany switch, while those who prefer a firmer response will likely opt for the heavier Silent Ink Black. Consequently, if you value long-term comfort and ease in typing, the lighter Akko Botany switch would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black is suited for individuals who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we find that the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Botany switch may offer a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and users preferring quicker keystrokes, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black, with its 4 mm travel distance, may be more suitable for users who enjoy deeper, more substantial keystrokes, providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for responsiveness versus the feeling of depth in each keystroke.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by its crisp and lively clacky sound that can add a certain energy to your typing experience. This sound profile is often favored by users who enjoy the audible response of a mechanical keyboard, making it ideal for those who want a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed for quieter environments, producing a muted sound that minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise. This makes it a great choice for office settings or shared spaces where sound reduction is a priority. While the Botany excels in delivering a vibrant acoustic presence, the Silent Ink Black offers a more subdued typing experience.
Regarding feel, the Botany switch provides a lively and engaging typing experience, though specific tactile sensations aren't detailed. The Gateron Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, is celebrated for its silky-smooth feel, enhancing the overall typing smoothness while reducing resistance. Additionally, this switch is polished, resulting in a sleek, refined typing experience with reduced friction. As such, the Silent Ink Black can provide a significantly different tactile feedback compared to the Botany, prioritizing a plush and cushioned bottom-out feel that some users might find more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In summary, while the Akko Botany switch delivers a lively sound and an engaging typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black stands out with its quiet operation and plush feel. If you’re deciding between the two, consider your environment and preferences: the Botany is suited for those who enjoy a pronounced sound with an engaging feel, whereas the Silent Ink Black caters to those needing a softer sound and a smooth, refined experience. Both switches cater to different needs, ensuring there's an option for everyone based on their unique requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a lively, crisp sound that's perfect for enjoyable typing, the Botany switches would be an excellent match for you. Their 45-gram bottom-out force makes for quick and responsive keystrokes, which can enhance both typing speed and enjoyment, especially if you're looking for an engaging experience while gaming or writing. Conversely, if you work in a quieter environment or share your space with others, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches would be the better option. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, these switches deliver a silky and polished typing feel combined with a muted sound that keeps distractions to a minimum. This makes the Silent Ink Black ideal for office settings or late-night typing sessions when you want to maintain focus without disturbing others. Ultimately, consider the context of your usage and your desire for sound and tactile feedback as you make your decision.
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