Akko Botany vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options based on tactile feel, sound, and overall performance. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is renowned for its crisp, lively clacky sound that offers a vibrant typing experience right out of the box, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte also features a linear design, but it is distinguished by its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest molds from Huano, resulting in a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. Choosing the Botany might be ideal for users who revel in the acoustic charm of their keystrokes, while the Strawberry Latte will attract those prioritizing a seamless, smooth experience without excessive noise. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials. The Botany utilizes nylon for its top housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This property is primarily due to nylon’s softer composition, which contrasts with other plastics that tend to produce sharper or more rigid sounds. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch features a top housing made from POK (polyketone). POK is noted for its low friction coefficient and exceptional durability, boasting wear resistance that far exceeds nylon. While the Botany offers a more subdued sound profile due to its nylon top, the Strawberry Latte promises a unique combination of smoothness and a clackier sound, resulting from the nature of the POK material.

Both the Botany and Strawberry Latte switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a convergence in performance when it comes to sound dampening characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both cases absorbs sound similarly, leading to that characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. As the bottom housing directly influences the feel of the switch, both the Botany and Strawberry Latte will provide a comparable tactile experience at the key's lowest point. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the materials used in the top, the switches will retain a similar sound profile when the keys are fully pressed down.

When considering the overall switch experience, the combination of different top housing materials means that the acoustic properties will differ depending on which switch you are using. The Akko Botany's nylon top contributes to a more muted sound signature, while the Huano Strawberry Latte’s POK top enhances the sharper, clackier feedback typical of mechanical switches. Ultimately, the interaction of the separate materials will influence the unique soundscape of each switch type when pressed and released, showcasing how varying top materials can complement the shared bottom housing characteristics while still offering distinct auditory experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find some interesting similarities and differences. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter at 35 grams, making the Strawberry Latte the more suitable option for users wanting a lighter typing experience. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that regardless of the actuation weight, users will experience a consistent resistance when pressing all the way down. This uniform bottom out force ensures that while the Strawberry Latte feels lighter upon actuation, both switches provide a similar tactile feedback at the bottom. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Huano Strawberry Latte, while those who enjoy a slightly firmer push feel might prefer the Akko Botany.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users will experience the same key press depth with either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that typing and gaming experiences will feel consistent regardless of which switch is used. Consequently, you can expect similar results in terms of feedback and actuation point when using either the Botany or the Strawberry Latte switch. With both switches featuring the same travel distance, there is no shorter or longer switch between the two; they deliver the same tactile satisfaction.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp and lively clacky sound, which adds a layer of auditory feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. This lively acoustic profile provides a satisfying auditory experience right out of the box. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch presents a more balanced sound that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes the Strawberry Latte versatile, allowing it to blend well in various environments without overpowering them. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience will also rely heavily on the combination of your keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch is noted for its smoothness, providing a consistent experience across keystrokes, which many find appealing for both typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte linear switch boasts a super smooth action attributable to the advanced manufacturing techniques employed by Huano. This results in an exceptionally satisfying tactile experience that many enthusiasts seek in a linear switch, making it highly competitive in terms of feel.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Botany produces a more lively sound, the Strawberry Latte provides a balanced auditory profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter yet still engaging typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches promise a smooth operation, ensuring a satisfying experience regardless of the choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will hinge on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or feel nuances, but you can expect a thoroughly enjoyable typing experience from both options.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider what aspects of typing and gaming you prioritize. If you lean towards a more pronounced auditory feedback with a lively, clacky sound, the Botany switch is likely to enhance your experience, particularly if you enjoy the sensation of tactile engagement in your typing. Its light 45-gram bottom out force allows for comfortable, effortless keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for those who type extensively or crave a more dynamic sound profile. On the other hand, if your preference is for a smoother, more refined feel, the Strawberry Latte switch will serve you well. Known for its super smooth action and balanced sound profile that strikes a nice middle ground—neither too quiet nor excessively resonant—it’s perfect for gamers who want swift, uninterrupted key presses. Additionally, the same light bottom out force of 45 grams means you won’t sacrifice comfort for performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the kind of auditory feedback that enhances your keyboard experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more