Akko Botany vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clack that enhances the typing experience with an auditory snap straight out of the box, ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound profile. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switches are renowned for their rich, bassy, and decadent auditory feedback, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, making typing feel more indulgent and engaging. With a medium weight, the Sunset Yellow is versatile enough for a broad range of users, while the unique Ly stem and proprietary lube method ensure a smooth, frictionless gliding action. While both switches provide a linear experience without the tactile bump, their distinct soundscapes and typing performances set them apart. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches employ distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustics and feel. The Botany features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which many users appreciate for creating a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. The nylon's ability to attenuate higher frequencies brings about a warmth to the sound, making it feel more pleasant and grounded. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switches utilize POM for both the top and bottom housing. POM, while also capable of producing a deep sound, offers a unique quality distinct from nylon. It creates a muted yet pleasing sound that still retains clarity, often described as having a more refined acoustic output while enhancing the tactile feedback.
In comparing the two switch types, we observe that both nylon and POM contribute to a deeper sound profile, but they do so in different ways. The nylon used in the Botany is softer and has superior sound-dampening qualities, leading to a rounder sound. In contrast, the POM material in the Sunset Yellow provides a refined sound that is pleasing to the ear but might not absorb sound as effectively as nylon. This means that while both switches achieve a more muted sound, the characteristic differences lie in the richness and clarity, with the Botany’s nylon offering a fuller resonance compared to the more precise, albeit slightly less rounded, sound profile of the Sunset Yellow.
When it comes to the overall experience of typing on these switches, the influence of the housing material is critical. The nylon bottom housing of the Botany contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience by engaging the softer properties of the material. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing in the Sunset Yellow has a different tactile response—offering a unique feel that is impacted by its own properties, contributing to the overall muted sound when bottoming out. Thus, despite the differing materials, users experiencing both switches could expect satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel, albeit with nuanced differences tailored to personal preferences. The distinct acoustics and tactile feedback are reflections of the varying materials, yet they both manage to create an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we notice that their actuation and bottom out forces differ, contributing to their respective tactile experiences. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and offering a firmer push feel. This heavier feedback might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer lighter switches, the Akko Botany would be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance should consider the Everglide Sunset Yellow. Ultimately, while both switches provide different levels of force, the choice comes down to personal typing and gaming preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch differs, with the Botany featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that if you are looking for a quicker response time, the Sunset Yellow would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, catering to gamers who prefer rapid actuation. Conversely, the Akko Botany switch offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who favor a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the brisk actuation of the Sunset Yellow or the deeper, more deliberate feel of the Botany.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for producing a crisp and lively clacking noise that adds a certain vibrancy to the typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a rich, bassy sound profile that resembles the resonant tones of mahjong tiles colliding, adding a deeper, more satisfying auditory element to each keystroke. The Botany's liveliness contrasts with the Sunset Yellow's deeper, thocky characteristics, resulting in two distinct sound experiences, though both aim to enhance the overall typing ambiance. Ultimately, sound is subjective, and individual preference often depends on the keyboard setup with factors like board and keycap choice potentially influencing the final auditory result.
In terms of feel, the Botany's attributes are less defined, leaving open the possibility for a smoother typing experience akin to some linear switches. The Sunset Yellow, however, shines with its creamy texture, offering a buttery smooth typing experience that can be attributed to its factory lube and materials used. This switch is also characterized by its frictionless feel, allowing for effortless key presses, and a polished finish that further enhances the smoothness and reduces any resistance during use. While the specifics of the Botany's feel remain unclear, the Sunset Yellow provides a refined tactile experience that many users will find pleasurable.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch differ notably in their auditory profiles—with the Botany being crisp and lively and the Sunset Yellow being rich and bassy—there is still much to appreciate about both switches. On the feel front, while specifics on the Botany remain unknown, the Sunset Yellow undoubtedly excels in providing a creamy and frictionless experience. Each switch brings its unique qualities, which might appeal to different user preferences, resulting in a rewarding typing journey regardless of choice.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter key press with a crisp, lively sound that adds a touch of excitement to your typing experience, the Botany switch would be the better option for you. Its 45-gram actuation force makes it accessible for all-day typing and gaming sessions, while the clacky sound profile enhances your auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel and a deeper, richer sound while typing, the Sunset Yellow is likely the right fit. With its medium-light actuation force of 51 grams, it strikes a balance that caters to various users, and its creamy, frictionless feel provides an indulgent typing experience that makes each keystroke effortless. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a lively and light touch versus a bassy and satisfying sound combined with a smooth, polished typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
