Akko Botany vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko Botany and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers intriguing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, despite both being classified as linear switches. The Botany switches from Akko are celebrated for their crisp, lively, clacky sound right out of the box, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a unique and immersive typing experience. Enhanced by a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches deliver a bouncy feel with each keystroke, appealing to users who seek a more dynamic response. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blues’ standard spring weight renders them easy to press and accessible to a wide range of users, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned typists can enjoy their performance. Each switch has its strengths, catering to different preferences in sound and feel; 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

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches employ different materials for their housing, which significantly affects their sound profiles and overall performance. The Botany uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice known for its softer texture and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper, fuller sound and a typing experience characterized by a warmer audio ambiance. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a stiffer material that produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. The inherent translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows light to permeate effectively through the switch.

The differences between the two materials extend beyond just aesthetics and sound. With the Botany's nylon housing, the typing experience tends to be more muted and rounded, which some users may prefer for a less jarring sound while typing. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, making it a preferred choice for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This distinction in sound also examines the role of each housing in the overall typing experience; the nylon housing gives a softer bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate enhances the release sound, resulting in a pronounced auditory distinction.

Despite their differences, the combination of nylon in the Botany and polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue allows for a varied typing experience. Each switch has unique tonal qualities: the Botany favors depth and warmth, while the Tourmaline Blue leans towards brightness and clarity. However, if one were to mix switch types in a keyboard setup, they could achieve a balance of characteristics, marrying the soft, muted sounds of nylon with the high-pitched clarity of polycarbonate. As a result, users could experience both rich auditory depth and sharp clarity, depending on how they configure their keyboard layout. This versatility highlights the specific strengths of each material while allowing enthusiasts to curate their ideal typing environment.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present a distinct contrast in their force specifications, catering to different user preferences in typing experiences. The Botany switch features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback during their typing. This difference means that the Botany switch is lighter overall, while the Tourmaline Blue is heavier, providing a more pronounced push feel. Consequently, individuals who favor a softer touch for extended use will likely gravitate toward the Akko Botany, whereas those who prefer a sturdier feel for their keystrokes might opt for the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can enhance speed and efficiency in gameplay. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's longer distance may be favored by users who prefer a more substantial keypress, providing a deeper, more tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences; those who appreciate responsiveness should opt for the Botany, while those who enjoy a hearty depth might prefer the Tourmaline Blue.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany switches offer a crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, making them an enticing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches deliver a deeper and thocky sound profile, which provides a more rounded and immersive auditory experience. While the Botany's clackiness captivates the ears with its brightness, the Tourmaline Blue presents a heavier, fuller tonal quality. Both switches do share the underlying fact that sound is also dependent on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so your setup will ultimately influence the auditory experience you receive.

Regarding tactile feedback and overall feel, the Botany's specific feel is not delineated, but the Tourmaline Blue is known for providing a bouncy and easy-to-press experience. These switches require minimal force to activate, making them gentle on the fingers during long typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue's mild resistance offers a comfortable typing experience that's accessible to both newcomers and seasoned users. While we don't have details on the Botany's tactile response, if it is similarly approachable, both switches may well provide a satisfactory experience for those seeking ease and comfort in their typing.

In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its lively, clacky sound, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deeper, thocky auditory profile coupled with a gentle and bouncy feel. While the Botany's specific characteristics are less defined in this context, the Tourmaline Blue highlights a mild, easy-to-press quality that enhances comfort during extended use. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you may find that both switches, with their own distinct traits, can meet your needs effectively, particularly if the Botany shares a similar approachability in taste and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp, lively sound, the Botany is an excellent option, particularly if you plan to use your keyboard for extended typing sessions. The lighter actuation force of 45 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, making it a great fit for writing or gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a deeper, more thocky sound profile along with a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue is ideal for you. With a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, it offers a satisfying resistance that can enhance your tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more structured typing experience. Additionally, its easy-to-press nature combined with a mild sound profile makes it versatile enough for work and leisure alike. Ultimately, assess how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more