Akko Botany vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the Akko Botany and the Bsun Taichi, both linear switches that offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate punchy acoustics and a more pronounced aural feedback during typing sessions. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi switch stands out due to its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, achieved through its long-pole stem and extended springs, which not only ensure a smooth keystroke but also provide remarkable stability. While both switches share a linear classification, catering to those who favor a smoother keypress without tactile bumps, their audible characteristics and design features 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

Akko Botany Linear

Bsun Taichi Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Akko Botany and the Bsun Taichi switches, the primary distinction lies in the top housing materials, which significantly influence the acoustic properties of each switch. The Botany features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound waves and dampens vibrations, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Taichi switch incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The clarity and resonance brought by polycarbonate top housing make it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications, as its translucency enhances visual effects, adding an aesthetic appeal that's absent in the Botany.

Moving to the bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and the Bsun Taichi utilize nylon material. This consistency in the bottom housing allows both switches to maintain similar deeper and fuller sound profiles, regardless of the differences observed in the top housing materials. The nylon's softer characteristics mean that even when the top housing diverges in material, the bottom housing will consistently anchor the auditory experience toward a richer, more subdued output. When pressing either switch, users will feel the prominent impacts of the nylon bottom housing, ensuring that despite varying top housing materials, the tactile feedback during bottoming out remains consistent across both models.

In summary, while the Akko Botany and Bsun Taichi switches employ different materials for their top housing, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings unifies their overall acoustic and tactile experiences. The Botany's nylon top yields a round, softer sound, contrasting with the Taichi's vibrant and bright sound produced by polycarbonate. Consequently, if one desires a balance of sound profiles, they can achieve this by mixing or matching these switches in a keyboard layout, utilizing each material's strengths. The contrast in top materials can be viewed as an exploration of sound aesthetics, while the nylon bottom ensures a coherent base experience that will appeal to users on different levels.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taichi has a marginally heavier actuation force of 40 grams, providing a slightly firmer feel that some users might find more satisfying. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unknown, making it difficult to fully compare how the two switches feel when pressed all the way down. The Botany's bottom out force of 45 grams, while still reasonably light, emphasizes a more gentle typing experience overall. Thus, the Botany is the lighter option overall, catering to those who prioritize comfort during prolonged use, whereas the Taichi could appeal to those seeking a bit more resistance without knowing the complete bottom out dynamics.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both feature identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar typing experience when pressing down on keys with either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches will provide a comparable feel and responsiveness during use, making them well-suited for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can achieve similar results in typing performance, allowing for personal preference in terms of brand or aesthetic to be the deciding factor in their selection.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switches are highly regarded for their crisp, lively clacky sound that resonates from the moment you start typing. This defining characteristic gives the Botany a distinctly bright and percussive auditory experience, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switches produce an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to their long-pole stems and extended springs. This results in a sound profile that is sharp and snappy, much like the Botany, but with a unique quality that emphasizes smoothness and stability. While both switches showcase distinct sounds, the environment, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, will influence the audible experience, leading to differing perceptions in real-world use.

In terms of feel, the Botany switches are touted for their overall smoothness, although specific detailing on their tactile feedback is not provided. Meanwhile, the Taichi switches are celebrated for their polished finish, contributing to a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished quality allows for reduced friction during key travel, creating a delightful sensation with every press. Users of the Taichi can expect a seamless interaction with their keys, further enhancing the typing experience through excellent stability. Although specific comparisons regarding tactile feedback for the Botany are absent, it is reasonable to suspect that both switches aim to provide a satisfying key feel, accommodating both casual and serious typists alike.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, making them appealing options depending on personal preference. The Botany excels with a lively, clacky sound, whereas the Taichi offers a refined auditory quality with smooth operation. While the feel characteristics of the Botany remain general, the Taichi's polished nature promises an effortless keystroke experience. Ultimately, users may find similarities in sound and feel depending on the specific configurations of their keyboards, but each switch brings its distinct flair that caters to a variety of typing styles.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek. If you favor a light keystroke with a lively and clacky sound, the Botany switch is likely the better choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to press, which is excellent for extended typing sessions or for those who prefer a more responsive feel. However, if you prioritize smoothness and want a refined typing experience, the Bsun Taichi switch may be more appealing. Although its bottom-out force is unknown, its unique design features—like the long-pole stem and extended springs—promise a polished, buttery feel and an enchanting sound profile. Ultimately, if you're looking for a crisp and percussive feedback that livens up your typing, go with the Botany. Conversely, if you desire a more sophisticated and silky typing experience with delightful acoustics, the Taichi is the way to go.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more