Akko Botany vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a sea of options, and two noteworthy contenders are the Akko Botany and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches but serve different preferences and typing styles. The Akko Botany switches stand out with their crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback along with smooth key presses. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a unique typing experience with their shorter activation point and long pole stem, delivering a satisfying creamy sound signature that can enhance both gaming and typing sessions. While the Botany switches may be ideal for users looking for that engaging acoustic feedback, the Splash Brothers cater to individuals who prioritize speed and a refined feel with a more subtle sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Jwick Splash Brothers use different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences the sound profiles generated by the switches. The Botany utilizes nylon, a softer plastic known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This characteristic contributes to a rounder, less sharp sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more muted typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This variance means that while both switches offer a unique typing experience, the Akko Botany leans towards a warmer, more subdued sound, whereas the Splash Brothers provide a brighter, more vibrant auditory feedback.
In contrast to their differing top housing materials, both the Akko Botany and Jwick Splash Brothers share the same nylon composition for their bottom housing. This uniformity plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing sound and experience, as the nylon's intrinsic acoustic properties lend themselves to a deeper and rounder sound profile. Regardless of the top housing material, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing creates a consistent impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring that users experience a notable richness in the tactile feedback. Thus, both keyboard models can deliver a similarly satisfying feel when the switches are pressed, despite their top housing differences.
Ultimately, the combination of varied top housing materials and identical bottom housings results in distinct yet complementary sound profiles and typing sensations for the Akko Botany and Jwick Splash Brothers. The differences in sound produced through their respective top housings enable users to choose a model that best aligns with their auditory preferences—whether they favor the smooth and warm tones of nylon or the sharp and clear notes of polycarbonate. Despite these contrasts, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing helps maintain a consistent tactile experience while typing, allowing both keyboards to deliver their unique sound signatures while ensuring the satisfaction of a deeper sound felt across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the actuation forces differ significantly. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams, which facilitates comfortable typing for extended periods, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize fatigue-free usage during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has an actuation force that is unknown, which leaves a gap in the comparison regarding its triggering feel. However, its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 48 grams, compared to the Botany's 45 grams. The fact that both switches are considered light makes them suitable options for those who might require less effort to actuate during typing or gaming. Ultimately, the Botany switch is the lighter option, while the Splash Brothers is comparatively heavier due to its slightly higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Splash Brothers the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers seeking rapid key actuation. On the other hand, the Botany, with its longer travel distance, might be more suitable for users who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, as it delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the slight difference may affect user preferences based on individual typing styles or gaming needs.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, making it an engaging choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can add a distinctive character to your typing experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a creamy sound signature, which suggests a more subdued auditory presence that positions it as a neutral option. This neutrality allows the Splash Brothers to blend well into a variety of environments without being overly distracting, making them suitable for both work and casual settings. Overall, while the Botany leans into a lively acoustic profile, the Splash Brothers provide a quieter, yet equally satisfying auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany's characteristics are not explicitly defined, leaving us to imagine that its vibrant sound may correlate with a similarly energetic touch. However, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a myriad of sensations: they provide a mild typing experience that is gentle yet responsive, ideal for both newbies and seasoned typists. The snappy and bouncy nature of the Splash Brothers enhances the feeling of liveliness, allowing keys to rebound effectively and produce a dynamic typing experience. Coupled with a polished finish, these switches promise a smooth travel that contributes to their overall user-friendly operation. The subtle resistance adds to the gentle feedback, making them accessible in shared spaces without being intrusive.
Overall, the Akko Botany and Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Botany switch delivers an engaging, clacky sound, ideal for those who revel in auditory feedback, while the Splash Brothers present a creamy, neutral sound that fits comfortably in various scenarios. In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers stand out with their mild, snappy, and bouncy characteristics, along with a polished finish that promotes smooth typing. This makes them a versatile option. If you favor lively responses, you might find the essence of the Botany in the engaging nature of the Splash Brothers' feel, albeit in a different auditory wrapping. Exploring both options could lead to valuable insights into your ideal switch preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a lively clacky sound, the Botany switch might be your ideal choice; its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly appealing for fast typists and those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Splash Brothers, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, offers a mildly responsive and polished feel, making it suitable for quieter environments or longer typing sessions. Additionally, the Splash Brothers’ unique design enhances its speed and response, providing a pleasant and creamy typing experience that could be particularly beneficial for gamers or those who prioritize quick input. Ultimately, consider what suits your style—whether you prefer the energetic feedback of the Botany or the refined, snappy reliability of the Splash Brothers—as both switches bring unique qualities to your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
