Akko Botany vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between varying characteristics that cater to different preferences. On one side, the Akko Botany switch shines as a linear option, celebrated for its lively, crisp, and clacky sound right out of the box, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more vocal typing experience. Its smooth keypress offers the appeal of uninterrupted strokes, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers and typists seeking speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch presents a tactile experience that marries acoustic clarity with comfort. Renowned for its deep and resonant "thock" upon bottoming out, alongside a whisper-quiet topping out, the U4Tx provides a luxurious typing journey enhanced by a satisfying tactile bump. This refined sound profile caters well to those who appreciate the tactile feedback without sacrificing an engaging auditory experience. With their distinct offerings, each switch has unique advantages, appealing to different styles of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, both utilize variations of nylon and proprietary blends that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Akko Botany features a classic nylon top and bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone when typing. This results in a satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate in their mechanical switches. Contrastingly, the Gazzew U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend, often dubbed "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings. While the exact composition of this material differs from traditional nylon, it similarly exhibits a softer plastic quality that enhances sound absorption and contributes to a rich audio profile.

Despite their different materials, the acoustic performance of both switch types shares key similarities. The Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary blend mirrors the sound dampening qualities of nylon, allowing for a similarly deep and rich sound profile when keys are pressed. Both housing materials generate a full auditory response, albeit with potentially different tonal subtleties due to their distinct compositions. The softness in both the Botany's nylon and the U4Tx's Gazzew plastic ensures that both types can absorb sound effectively, enabling users to experience a rounded typing sound regardless of the underlying material differences.

Furthermore, the influence of housing materials on user experience extends to how one perceives bottoming out and the sound profile while releasing keys. With the Botany, the nylon's characteristics would predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel, just as the Gazzew plastic would do for the U4Tx. Although the switch materials differ, the end result—deep acoustic satisfaction and an engaging typing experience—remains consistent. Typists can expect similar results in terms of auditory fulfillment and tactile feedback, irrespective of the switches' differing base materials, thus catering to a variety of preferences while maintaining an enjoyable typing environment.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 62.5 grams. This indicates a stronger tactile experience, which might be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial push feel. As a result, the Akko Botany is the lighter option overall, while the Gazzew U4Tx offers a heavier typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a firmer touch. If you are seeking a switch with a lighter actuation and bottom out force, the Botany would be the preferable choice, providing ease of use for prolonged activities.

Travel distance

Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that the distance you experience when pressing down on either switch will be the same. This similar travel distance ensures that users seeking a consistent feel when typing or gaming can expect comparable results between the two switches. Since both switches function within the same travel distance, they can provide a uniform tactile experience, making them suitable for those who prioritize minimal variation in key actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch has a lively, clacky sound profile that makes it stand out as a vibrant option for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. The crispness of its sound is engaging and can provide a sense of satisfaction to typists who appreciate feedback acoustically. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch presents a more refined auditory experience, featuring a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out that gives it a rich, bass-like quality. Coupled with the muted characteristics that minimize excessive noise, the U4Tx creates a balanced soundscape that’s less intrusive, making it well-suited for quieter environments while still offering enough auditory feedback to satisfy most users.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is celebrated for its smoothness, providing a seamless typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch is noted for its sharp tactile feedback, characterized by strong, crisp bumps that are easily felt with each keystroke. This tactile distinction creates a responsive experience that can be particularly appealing to typists seeking a pronounced sensation with every press, enhancing overall typing engagement.

In summary, while both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences: the Botany's clacky sound and smooth feel contrast with the U4Tx's deep and refined acoustic profile along with its sharp tactile feedback. Depending on your typing style and environment, you may find one switch more appealing than the other, but both can deliver rewarding results tailored to your preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy auditory feedback, the Botany switch, with its lively and crisp clacky sound, is an excellent choice for you. It is particularly well-suited for gaming or fast-paced typing, allowing for quick key presses without much resistance. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile feel and a refined sound profile, the U4Tx is the way to go. With its medium actuation force, you will experience a satisfying tactile bump that enhances your typing experience while its deep "thock" sound adds an enjoyable acoustic dimension. This makes the U4Tx ideal for those who appreciate a balanced typing experience—great for both typing and casual gaming without being overly loud. In essence, choose the Botany for a lighter, noisy experience, and opt for the U4Tx for a more subdued but tactilely engaging feel.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more