Akko Botany vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the TTC Silent Red offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible and tactile feedback while typing—ideal for gamers and typists who thrive on the energetic soundscape. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches emphasize a smooth and seamless typing experience, with a muted sound profile that makes them particularly suitable for use in quiet, shared environments such as offices or homes. The Silent Reds offer a consistently polished feel with a padded bottom-out that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. While the Botany switches bring excitement and auditory responsiveness to the table, Silent Reds prioritize tranquility and comfort. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red switches showcase distinct characteristics derived from their top housing materials, nylon and polycarbonate, respectively. The nylon top housing of the Botany is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a sound that is duller and rounder, appealing to users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only contributes to its lively resonance but also enhances RGB lighting visibility, making it a visually striking choice for users who enjoy colorful keyboard setups.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a notable commonality between the Botany and Silent Red switches. Both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, meaning they will share similar properties in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, akin to that produced by the Botany's nylon top housing. This uniformity in the bottom housing ensures that both switches, despite their top housing differences, will provide a sound experience that emphasizes warmth and richness. Consequently, users can expect a consistent bottoming-out sound and feel across both switch types, making them suitable options for typists looking for a satisfying tactile response.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials creates a distinct auditory experience between the Akko Botany and TTC Silent Red switches, while the shared nylon bottom housing converges their sound characteristics at a fundamental level. When pressed, the Botany's nylon top will deliver a muffled sound that resonates with a deeper tone, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top will produce a clearer, crisper note upon release. The division between the top and bottom housings allows practitioners to appreciate the nuances of each switch, offering the best of both worlds: the Botany's rounded sound on keystrokes and the Silent Red's bright feedback on key releases. Thus, both switches cater imaginatively to users with different sound preferences, yet still maintain similarity in sound attributes due to their identical bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch has a light actuation force of 38 grams, complemented by a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Botany switch is lighter overall, while the Silent Red is heavier. This means that users seeking a lighter feel for comfort over extended use will favor the Akko Botany, whereas those who prefer a stronger push should consider the TTC Silent Red for a firmer tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Botany switch provides a minimal advantage for those seeking quicker key presses, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers who prefer faster response times. In contrast, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm distance caters to users who might favor a more substantial depth, offering a richer tactile feedback with each key press. Although both switches fall within the modern range of shorter travel distances, the Botany switch is the shorter option, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, while the Silent Red could be preferred by individuals who appreciate a deeper keypress experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clack, making it a thrilling option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a much more muted experience, designed to minimize noise with a soft and gentle sound profile. This makes the Silent Red ideal for environments where quiet operation is a priority, such as in offices or shared spaces. Users looking for an engaging sound will prefer the Akko Botany, while those seeking a discreet solution will find the Silent Red fitting for their needs.
Regarding feel, the Botany switch is associated with a lively typing experience, delivering a satisfying tactile response that energizes typing sessions without specifics mentioned. The TTC Silent Red, on the other hand, combines mild and polished characteristics, offering a smooth, consistent keypress from top to bottom and a gentle typing experience. This switch excels in providing a refined finish that results in reduced friction and a comfortable bottom-out feel, ensuring enjoyable usage over long periods. The combination of these factors makes the Silent Red very approachable, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
In summary, while the Akko Botany linear switch delivers a more dynamic sound experience that may appeal to enthusiasts, the TTC Silent Red linear switch excels in providing a serene and polished typing sensation that prioritizes comfort and tranquility. Depending on your priorities—whether they involve enjoying a lively audio feedback loop or maintaining a distraction-free environment—both switches can offer distinct yet satisfying experiences, allowing you to choose based on the ambiance you desire for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter tactile experience and appreciate a clacky sound while typing, the Akko Botany switches are an excellent choice. Their 45 grams of actuation force make them easy to press, which can be especially rewarding for fast typists or gamers who want quick responsiveness. However, if you find yourself in a quieter setting, such as an office or shared space, or if you prefer a more muted experience, the TTC Silent Red switches would be the better option. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a solid feel while also delivering a smooth and polished typing experience without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, environment, and whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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