Akko Botany vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The Akko Botany is renowned for its crisp, lively clacky sound, providing a tactile feedback that many typists enjoy, making it an appealing choice for users who desire an engaging and responsive auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g emphasizes discretion, delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience that resembles gentle raindrops, ideal for those who require a calm atmosphere, such as late-night workers or students in quiet settings. Both switches are linear, ensuring smooth key presses without the tactile bump; however, the Botany's lively sound offers more feedback, whereas the Silent Sakura is designed for tranquility with its ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g. Each switch has its merits depending on your typing style and environment, but 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
37g
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
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it is evident that both switches share a commonality in their top housing composition. Both utilize nylon for the top housings, which contributes to a distinctive sound profile characterized by depth and fullness. This particular material choice allows for a deeper, rounder sound to arise from typing, as nylon's softer texture absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience while typing, especially during the tactile act of keypresses, resulting in a pleasingly muffled and softer auditory feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly, with the Botany featuring nylon and the Silent Sakura - 43g opting for polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing aligns with the properties of its top housing, enhancing the softer quality of sound and providing a cohesive typing experience that resonates with the overall design intent of the Botany switch. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer material composition. This could lead to a more pronounced sounding experience and crisper key feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more energetic auditory response when typing.
Ultimately, the combination of the nylon top and bottom in the Akko Botany ensures that the switch excels in producing a cohesive and soothing sound profile, while the Silent Sakura - 43g leverages the contrast between nylon and polycarbonate to create a distinct sound experience that is both clear and resonant. Each switch's unique material combination contributes to its individual sound characteristics, meaning that although the two switches can deliver pleasant typing results, the experience may vary. Users can expect similar auditory qualities from the top housing of both switches, but the differing bottom housings will introduce a unique feel and sound profile that caters to different preferences in typing feedback.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Silent Sakura, which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. While both switches are relatively light, the Silent Sakura offers a marginally lighter actuation force, potentially providing a more effortless typing experience. However, the Botany’s heavier bottom out force gives it a bit more resistance when keys are fully pressed down, which could appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, users seeking lighter options might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura for prolonged typing comfort, while those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience might opt for the Akko Botany.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see a clear distinction between the two. The Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Botany switch would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, potentially leading to faster response times suited for gaming. Conversely, those who enjoy a deeper keypress and a more substantial tactile experience might find the HMX Silent Sakura's longer travel distance more appealing. Overall, choosing between them hinges on your personal preference for either a quicker or a more pronounced 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 delivers a crisp, lively clacky sound that is both engaging and satisfying right out of the box. This sharp acoustic profile makes it a favorite among those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch offers a much quieter experience, characterized by a whisper-soft noise reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This subdued sound signature allows for a more serene typing environment, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer an undisturbed workspace or enjoy typing in shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is typically responsive and offers a smooth linear experience, providing an engaging tactile sensation that many typists appreciate, especially for rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g has an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, which means it offers a lighter feeling during typing. This makes it an excellent option for typists who prefer minimal resistance and a lighter touch, resulting in a comfortable and effortless keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences in touch and feedback, ultimately enhancing the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch is noted for its vibrant sound and responsive feel, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g impresses with its quiet operation and light keystroke effort. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or the tactile aspects of your typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities suited to different typing environments. As a newcomer, considering your preferences for sound and feel will guide you in choosing the switch that best fits your needs; whether you gravitate towards the energetic clack of the Botany or the soft elegance of the Sakura, both will ultimately enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, you should consider your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a more dynamic typing experience that offers a lively, clacky sound, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice. It has a slightly higher bottom out force of 45 grams, which may be preferable for those who like a bit more resistance during typing, providing tactile feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you're seeking a quieter and more serene typing environment, especially in shared or noise-sensitive spaces, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go. With its ultra-light 43g actuation force and whisper-quiet operation, this switch caters well to light typists looking for minimal noise without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a crisp, energetic sound and feel or a soft, silent typing experience.
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