Akko Botany vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and KTT Strawberry are two popular linear options that cater to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are recognized for their lively, clacky sound right out of the box, offering an engaging auditory experience that enhances typing and gaming sessions. These switches provide a responsive feel, making them a great choice for users who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback while still benefiting from the smoothness inherent to linear switches. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its elegant design, characterized by attractive pink and clear housings. Users appreciate its silky, buttery actuation and frictionless performance, which allows for effortless key presses and comfort during prolonged use. While the Botany switches might appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience, the KTT Strawberry leans towards a plush, quiet typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

KTT Strawberry Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the KTT Strawberry switches, it's important to note their distinct constructions that impart unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Botany utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that leads to a deeper, fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound and results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of sound, contributing to a sharper and more pronounced auditory profile. As a result, the varying housing materials not only highlight the differences in sound but also significantly influence the overall experience of using each switch.

Another noteworthy aspect is that the materials also impact the aesthetic qualities of the switches. The Botany’s nylon housing is less translucent, limiting its ability to showcase RGB lighting effects effectively. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry is well-suited for RGB applications due to its transparency, allowing for vibrant light diffusion and a visual appeal that enhances the switch’s appearance when illuminated. This difference in aesthetics plays a crucial role for users who prioritize not only sound and feel but also the visual aspects of their keyboard setup, showing how housing material choices can align with user preferences.

Despite these differences, it is essential to recognize that both switches can yield positive results, yet the nature of the experience will differ. The Botany’s nylon housings lend themselves to a more subdued sound, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate construction offers a crisper, sharper response, appealing to enthusiasts who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, while the switches utilize different materials that create contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics, a user can appreciate the specific strengths of each switch based on their preferences for both tactile and auditory sensations.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to press. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. This means that the Akko Botany switch is better suited for those who favor a lighter switch for comfort, while the KTT Strawberry offers a heavier option for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the differences indicate that the Akko Botany switch is the lighter choice, whereas the KTT Strawberry is the heavier one.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the Botany features a distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that if you're looking for a more responsive, quicker actuation, the Botany may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, with its standard 4 mm travel, offers a more traditional and hearty depth that may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should be influenced by personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for producing a crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This sound profile can create an engaging and dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched tone. This bass-heavy and mellow quality lends itself to a more subdued auditory experience, which can be less intrusive and more suited for quieter environments. While the Botany delivers a more pronounced sound, the Strawberry offers a gentle audio presence, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overly distracting.

When considering the feel, the Akko Botany’s characteristics are less defined in the provided information. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished experience. This means that the Strawberry switches provide an exceptional smoothness, making each keystroke feel effortless and seamless. The combination of these qualities enhances the tactile experience, allowing for fluid travel with minimal resistance. While the Botany switch's feel is not described, those opting for the Strawberry can expect an incredibly refined typing sensation that prioritizes comfort and responsiveness.

In conclusion, while the Akko Botany and KTT Strawberry linear switches cater to slightly different auditory preferences, they may share a solid performance focus in terms of user experience. The Botany’s lively clack versus the Strawberry’s low-pitched tone presents distinct sound profiles, appealing to different user preferences. On the feel side, the smoothness and comfortable actuation of the Strawberry switches stand out significantly, while Botany's feel remains unspecified. Users seeking specific auditory or tactile sensations may find these qualities pivotal in their decision-making process when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch comes down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and overall feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a distinct and lively clacky sound right out of the box, the Botany will likely be your best choice. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy a keyboard that offers a bit of a pop with each keystroke, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a higher level of resistance with a smooth, frictionless experience, the KTT Strawberry is the way to go. Its silky, buttery feel is perfect for those who favor a more refined and steady typing experience without the risk of bottoming out too quickly. The low-pitched sound profile of the Strawberry also suits environments where you might want a more subdued audio presence. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value lighter actuation with a lively sound or a smoother, more polished feel with a medium resistance.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more