Akko Botany vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and HMX Sunset Gleam both stand out as compelling options for fans of linear switches. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound that emerges right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience and a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, is lauded for its superb blend of materials that offers a gentle top-out and a satisfying clack, complemented by the exceptional factory lube that HMX is known for. While the Botany thrives on its sharp sound profile that can enhance the typing experience, the Sunset Gleam appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and subtlety in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it's evident that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affect their sound profile. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound waves more effectively. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This discrepancy in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing, highlighting nylon's ability to create a dampened tone versus polycarbonate's resonant clarity.
While the top housings differ in material, the bottom housings of both switches use nylon, leading to a uniform sound profile regarding the typing experience from the bottom. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes similarly to creating a deeper and fuller sound, providing a consistent tactile response during both key presses and releases. This means that while the overall sound character may differ due to the contrasting top materials, the foundation of each switch's acoustic profile is aligned when it comes to the impact of the bottom housing. Essentially, both switches will produce a rounded sound upon bottoming out, regardless of the divergent behaviors of their top housings.
In terms of user experience, the differences in top housing materials reflect how sound and feel interactions play out during typing. With the Botany's nylon top combined with a nylon bottom, typists can expect a smooth and cohesive sound experience that’s soothing and muted overall. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a blend where the clarity of the top housing balances against the muffled tones of the bottom. This diversity not only affects sound but can also influence the visual appeal, particularly for RGB enthusiasts, as the polycarbonate's translucency enhances lighting effects. In summary, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottoms, the variance in top housing materials distinctly shapes their unique auditory identities.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch both offer a light tactile experience but differ 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 the lighter option of the two. In comparison, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. While both switches are categorized as light, the Sunset Gleam requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out than the Botany. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel when typing or gaming, whereas the lighter Botany may be more suited for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, users looking for a switch that feels less demanding will likely gravitate towards the Akko Botany, while those desiring a more substantial push should consider the HMX Sunset Gleam.
Travel distance
The travel distance between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch reveals a slight but notable difference. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which provides a deeper feel, while the Sunset Gleam switch measures at 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option. This means that the Botany switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a more robust and hearty typing experience, whereas the Sunset Gleam may appeal to those who favor quicker response times due to its shorter distance. If you prioritize responsiveness, choosing the Sunset Gleam could enhance your gaming experience, while the Akko Botany might be better for users who appreciate a bit more feedback in their keystrokes.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 produces a crisp and lively clacky sound, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This switch is highly regarded for its pronounced acoustic profile straight out of the box, which ensures a bright and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a subtle top-out tone paired with a satisfying clack, highlighting the careful selection of materials used in its design. The factory lubrication applied by HMX enhances the acoustics, creating a smooth and pleasant sound without being overly harsh or distracting. Overall, both switches provide unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Botany favoring a more prominent sound and the Sunset Gleam leaning towards refined subtlety.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is known for its responsiveness and smooth linear action, allowing for a fluid typing experience. The tactile feedback is crisp, which complements the auditory characteristics of the switch perfectly. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a similarly smooth engagement, amplified by the quality of the factory lube. This lubrication not only reduces friction but also contributes to the overall sensation, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. Both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing experience, with a focus on smoothness and responsiveness, ensuring that users who choose either option can expect an enjoyable feel.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches exhibit distinct yet appealing qualities in sound and feel. The Botany stands out with its lively clackiness and responsive action, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more nuanced auditory experience and smoothly lubricated keystrokes. For newcomers looking to explore mechanical switches, both options provide engaging auditory and tactile sensations, allowing for a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for feel and sound profile. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a light bottom-out force of 45 grams combined with a lively and crisp sound, the Botany is the ideal choice. This makes it particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who enjoy a responsive and energetic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, along with a more subdued top-out and a satisfying clack sound thanks to its excellent factory lube, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the better option for you. This switch caters well to those who appreciate a balanced tactile experience and a smooth, satisfying sound with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the auditory and tactile feedback you prefer in your mechanical keyboard.
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