Akko Botany vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Smoothie offer distinct experiences, each appealing to different user preferences. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound that adds an energetic touch to typing, making it a fun choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a lively typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie switches are recognized for their thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, providing a buttery, subdued typing environment that is perfect for individuals who appreciate a more refined and creamy touch while typing. Both switches are linear, meaning they give a smooth keystroke without a tactile bump, but their sound profiles and overall feedback can significantly influence the typing experience. While the Botany may cater to those who cherish a more pronounced auditory response, the Smoothie is an excellent choice for users seeking a quieter yet satisfying keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Gateron Smoothie switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles, though both aim for a deeper and more muted auditory experience. The Botany switches are constructed with nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its softer texture. This choice significantly contributes to the switch's sound characteristics, creating a fuller and more rounded sound profile when pressed. In contrast, the Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, which provides a unique sound that is still on the deeper side but offers an alternate dynamic due to its distinct acoustic properties compared to nylon. The POM material might produce a sound that is slightly more resonant and clear while maintaining softness, producing a different auditory experience, albeit still muted compared to harder plastics.
In terms of bottom housing performance, both switches reflect their material choices with regard to feel and sound when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing of the Botany switches emphasizes the dullness of sound, further contributing to the muted overall character of this switch design. Conversely, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing is engineered to contribute to the musicality of the switch sound, balancing the overall experience with a slightly brighter tone. Although they employ different materials, the functionality remains appreciatively similar; both switches intend to absorb sound to a degree, but the properties of POM could result in a sharper conclusion to the sound than that of the softer nylon.
While users of both the Akko Botany and Gateron Smoothie can expect a deeper and more satisfying sound experience from either switch, their unique material choices will yield subtly different results. Both nylon and POM absorb sound effectively, creating a pleasant typing experience. However, the shaping of these materials will deliver contrasting nuances—nylon for a more uniform and fuller sound versus POM's unique and slightly brighter finish. Thus, while the overall auditory experience may resonate similarly in depth and muted quality, the tonal character will vary, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their preference for these nuanced sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the differences in actuation force are notable. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option that may benefit users seeking prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Smoothie switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This indicates that the Botany switch may provide a more effortless typing experience, while the Smoothie offers a marginally heavier actuation required to trigger keystrokes. Consequently, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Botany is the preferable choice, whereas users opting for a bit more resistance might gravitate toward the Smoothie. Overall, the Botany is the lighter option, while the Smoothie is the heavier, enhancing the contrasting feel and experience between the two switches.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users will experience the same distance when pressing down on a key for both switches. This similarity in travel distance contributes to a consistent typing experience, allowing individuals to adapt easily between the two. Since they share the same specification, this ensures that the feeling and engagement of each switch is comparably aligned, offering a uniform response for any keyboard enthusiast considering either option.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switches are known for their crisp, lively clacky sound. This tonal quality adds a vibrant auditory feedback that can be invigorating during use. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switches deliver a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich thud that is both satisfying and mellow. This low-pitched sound offers a more subdued experience, making it less intrusive while still providing enjoyable acoustic feedback. Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Botany is brighter and more pronounced, whereas the Smoothie favors a fuller, bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switches do not have a defined description in the provided information. However, the Gateron Smoothie switches are praised for their buttery, creamy, and silky characteristics, providing a profoundly smooth and enjoyable typing experience. These attributes suggest that the Smoothies are designed to facilitate seamless keystrokes, reducing resistance and promoting a fluid interaction with the keyboard. As such, the feel of the Botany switches may vary from the Smoothies, potentially lacking the same level of smoothness and fluidity that the Gateron switches offer.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Gateron Smoothie switches bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Botany provides a lively and pronounced auditory experience, while the Smoothie emphasizes a deeper, more subdued sound signature that is paired with an exceptionally smooth tactile experience. If you are considering switches for your mechanical keyboard, it's essential to weigh these subjective qualities against your personal preferences, as they can significantly impact your overall typing experience. While the Botany might appeal to those who enjoy a brighter sound, the Smoothie may be the ideal choice for someone seeking a more refined and quiet typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter keystroke and enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing, the Botany switch is your best bet. Its crisp, lively clacky sound can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a distinct acoustic response. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that excels in smoothness and produces a deeper, more subdued sound, the Smoothie switch will likely serve you well. Its thocky, low-pitched sound signature and buttery feel create an incredibly satisfying typing experience that is ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. In summary, choose the Botany for brightness and an engaging sound, and opt for the Smoothie if you're after supreme smoothness and a richer auditory experience. The right switch for you will elevate your keyboard experience, so consider what aspects matter most in your typing journey.
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