Akko Botany vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact both performance and enjoyment. The Akko Botany switches stand out for their lively clacky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists crave. Known for their linear characteristics, these switches cater to users who appreciate a blend of tactile feedback and a pronounced sound profile, making every keystroke feel more engaging. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches prioritize smoothness, featuring Ly stems that deliver a seamless typing experience along with a resonant sound profile. Also categorized as linear switches, the Tomcats are an excellent choice for those who favor a quieter typing environment without compromising on the feel of the keys. Both switches have their unique appeal, but your choice will depend on whether you prefer the crisp auditory response of the Botany or the silky-smooth actuation of the Tomcat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Bsun Tomcat, we observe a significant difference in their top housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic makeup. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat uses a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows vibrations to resonate more clearly, creating a crisp audio experience. This distinction in material properties leads to a divergent typing feel and sound in the two switches, which users may prefer based on their personal typing preferences.

On the other hand, both the Botany and Tomcat share a commonality in their bottom housings, utilizing nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing creates a similar sound profile across both switches, characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Although the top housing materials are different, the nylon bottom housing plays a critical role in the overall feel and sound when a key is pressed down. This means that despite the contrasting materials used in their top housings, users will still encounter a familiar sound experience while pressing the keys due to the shared nylon material in the bottom section. As such, while the top-down auditory profiles differ, both switches retain a cohesive sound experience thanks to the nylon base.

Ultimately, the combination of housing materials results in interesting contrasts and similarities within the Akko Botany and Bsun Tomcat. For users, this means that while the typing experience's auditory aspects can vary significantly due to the top housing material, they can expect a consistent auditory sensation on bottoming out due to the nylon bottom housing. Thus, the overall typing experience will blend the nuances of both materials based on the user’s interaction with the switches, offering a compelling mix of auditory character influenced by the unique properties of both nylon and polycarbonate.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, which provides a more substantial feel. This difference in forces suggests that the Tomcat may appeal more to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Akko Botany is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it the ideal choice for those seeking ease of use, whereas the Bsun Tomcat will satisfy those who prefer a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same depth of keypress when engaging either switch. This similarity ensures that the typing and gaming experiences will yield comparable results in terms of feedback and responsiveness. Since both switches have the same travel distance, neither one can be classified as shorter or longer; instead, they offer a consistent tactile experience for users seeking uniformity in their keyboard performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is renowned for producing a crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making it an engaging option for typists who enjoy audible feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch provides a resonant sound profile that contributes to its overall appeal; however, the specific characteristics of this sound are less defined compared to the Botany. Overall, while both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, users can expect to enjoy a certain level of liveliness with the Botany switches, while the Tomcat's sound may resonate in a more subdued manner.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switch's specific tactile feedback is not mentioned, leaving some uncertainty in that regard. In contrast, the Tomcat switches are noted for their Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness can enhance the overall comfort and enjoyment of typing, especially for those who favor linear switches. In the absence of specific details about the Botany's feel, it's reasonable to ascertain that while both switches may allow for satisfying keystrokes, the Tomcat's smoothness stands out as a notable feature.

Overall, while both the Akko Botany and Bsun Tomcat linear switches have their unique sound and feel characteristics, the Botany shines in its crisp, lively audio output, whereas the Tomcat impresses with its smooth typing experience. Those who prioritize sound may gravitate towards the Botany, while those who seek an exceptionally smooth feel will likely prefer the Tomcat. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, users can choose the switch that best aligns with their needs for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you're looking for. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Akko Botany, with its 45 grams of bottom-out force, might be the ideal choice for you. Its crisp and lively clacky sound can significantly enhance your typing experience, especially if you're someone who appreciates an engaging auditory environment. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother typing experience and don’t mind a slightly firmer actuation with the 54 grams of bottom-out force, the Bsun Tomcat could be a better fit. Its Ly stems provide a super smooth feel, making it an excellent option for long typing sessions or gaming where you need precision without the noise of clacking. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter feel and sound or a smooth action with a more resonant profile.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more