Akko Botany vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Jwick Taro present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The Botany switches are recognized for their lively, clacky sound, which perfectly caters to those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. As a linear switch, the Botany offers a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, making it ideal for gamers or typists who prioritize swift, seamless action without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switches deliver a cozy typing experience that mirrors their subtle aesthetic, featuring a snappy medium level of tactility. Their acoustic profile combines acute, crisp clacks with the pleasant feedback of a tactile bump, appealing to users who seek a balance between auditory pleasure and a responsive feel. While each switch has its strengths—whether it’s the Botany's clear linearity or the Taro's rounded tactility—there's much more to consider beyond these generalities. Let’s dive in a bit deeper so you can best decide which switch suits your unique preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and the Jwick Taro utilize distinct materials for their top housings, contributing to varying sound profiles that can significantly affect user experience. The Botany's top housing is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer characteristics. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's rigidity not only enhances the sound clarity but makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications, given its translucence. Thus, while both switches can offer distinct auditory feedback, they cater to different preferences, whether one is looking for a warm acoustic experience or a brighter, more resonant sound.
Both the Akko Botany and Jwick Taro share nylon as their bottom housing material, bringing a level of consistency to the otherwise different constructions of these switches. The nylon bottom housing in both models ensures a similar sound profile that is characterized by its ability to absorb sound effectively. As a result, both switches will deliver a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound when pressed. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing enhances their tactile feel, making the typing experience rich and satisfying regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. Consequently, regardless of the disparity in sound profiles introduced by the top housings, users can expect a consistent feeling on bottoming out due to the nylon used in the lower sections of both switches.
In conclusion, the combination of different top housing materials and a shared bottom housing material in the Akko Botany and the Jwick Taro creates a nuanced acoustic experience. While the Botany's nylon top provides a softer and more muted sound profile, the Taro’s polycarbonate offers a crisper, more vibrant auditory experience. However, the nylon bottom housing in both models ensures that they retain a common tactile sensation, especially during the act of bottoming out. This blend of varying upper characteristics with a consistent lower component allows for a unique approach to switch design, catering to diverse preferences without compromising on essential tactile and auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Taro switch does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly higher at 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This heavier resistance may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Botany is the lighter option, while the Taro is the heavier one, indicating that users looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Akko Botany, whereas those preferring a stronger push might favor the Jwick Taro.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that may be favored by gamers or those who prefer a more immediate feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Taro's travel distance, though only marginally longer, could offer a sensation of greater depth, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. Given these differences, if you lean towards shorter travel distances for speed, the Akko Botany would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Taro may be preferable for users who appreciate a heartier typing feel.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 is characterized by its lively, clacky noise, providing an engaging auditory experience right from the start. This makes it well-suited for those who enjoy the resonance of their keystrokes while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is noted for a more subdued yet clear auditory profile, delivering acute and crisp clacks alongside its tactile feedback. Though the Taro has a more neutral sound, it retains a satisfying auditory presence that contributes to a focused atmosphere, which could be equally appreciated in both casual and professional settings. Sound perception can vary significantly based on board and keycap choices, but both switches offer distinct audio experiences.
Regarding feel, the Akko Botany switches excel in providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, typical of linear switches. This smooth experience might attract users looking for a fast and fluid typing action without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Taro switches offer a more nuanced experience with its noticeable tactile bump, described as snappy and medium in level. The combination of both buttery smoothness and a stepped tactile sensation means the Taro switches provide stages of feedback that some typists find satisfying, as the dual-stage feel creates a more interactive typing experience compared to the uniformity of linear options.
In conclusion, the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch cater to different typing preferences and sound characteristics. The Botany brings a lively clacking noise and a smooth feel suitable for fast typists, while the Taro offers a pleasing auditory experience with its tactility, making it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer appealing qualities, with the potential for similar typing satisfaction based on your setup and usage style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a light and lively typing experience, the Botany switch may be the better option for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force provides a fast and responsive feel, ideal for users who prefer a quick keystroke for both gaming and writing, while its crisp, clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more substantial feel with a touch of tactility, the Taro switch, with its medium-heavy 67-gram bottom-out force, could be the way to go. The tactile feedback, described as snappy yet cozy, allows you to type comfortably without being overly harsh on your fingers, making it suitable for longer writing sessions. Additionally, the Taro's smooth and buttery feel will enhance your overall typing experience, especially if you enjoy a switch that offers both pleasant acoustics and a satisfying tactile sensation. In essence, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the weight of keystrokes before making your pick between these two distinct switches.
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