Akko Botany vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two linear switches that have garnered attention are the Akko Botany and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound that comes straight out of the box, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a unique typing experience characterized by its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the innovative use of POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing. This results in an acoustically pleasing, high-pitched clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. While both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience, they appeal to different preferences: the Botany emphasizes lively sound and tactile feedback, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream targets users in search of a buttery-smooth touch. 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches stand in stark contrast when it comes to both their construction and the sound profiles they produce. The Botany features a top and bottom housing made from nylon, a well-established material in the keyboard industry known for its ability to deliver a deeper, fuller sound. This quality stems from nylon's softer plastic composition, which helps absorb sound waves, resulting in a more muted and rounded audio experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend for its top housing, significantly deviating from nylon to create a high-pitched, clacky sound signature. This difference in properties indicates that the two switches will provide a vastly different auditory experience while typing.

The bottom housing of each switch further illustrates their differing sound and feel profiles. While the Botany again employs nylon for its bottom housing, reinforcing the already muffled character of its overall sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK material known for its impressive durability and smoothness. The POK material not only enhances the tactile experience during typing due to its lower coefficient of friction but also makes the switch remarkably resilient, outpacing nylon significantly in wear and shock resistance. Thus, while both switches can provide unique typing experiences, the character of the Vanilla Ice Cream will lean heavily on the durability and sound signature of its POK bottom housing, making the typing experience sharper and more tactile.

Despite the pronounced differences in housing materials between the two switches, they can still produce somewhat similar results in key performance. The key to this overlap lies in the understanding that the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, while the top housing contributes to the release sound when letting go of keys. While the Botany's nylon materials consistently ensure a deep, round sound profile throughout the keystroke, the distinctive properties of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's hybrid materials allow for a split character, balancing the high-pitched, clacky sounds from its top with the smoother feel from its durable POK bottom. Consequently, both switches bring their unique flavor to the typing experience while highlighting how different materials can manipulate acoustic and tactile sensations in nuanced ways.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal some interesting contrasts. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This distinction means that while both switches can be classified as light, the Botany is the lighter choice, which may appeal to those seeking a more effortless typing experience for extended use. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, being heavier, may offer a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more tactile engagement with each keystroke. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch that facilitates longer typing sessions, the Akko Botany would be your best bet, whereas the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream might be favored by those who appreciate a firmer push in their typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream the shorter option, by just 0.1 mm. For those who favor games or require faster response times, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more appealing as it provides a quicker actuation. Conversely, the Botany's longer 3.6 mm travel distance may offer a more robust tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial key press. Overall, the difference is minimal, yet it can influence user preference based on individual needs for response time versus depth in keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp, lively clacky sound that provides an enjoyable auditory experience right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a sharper auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a high-pitched sound profile that is described as marbly and resonant, which produces a clean and sharp auditory experience. The Vanilla Ice Cream’s sound signature stands out due to its ability to offer an immersive auditory experience, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced sound. Both switches will deliver lively and engaging sound, though the Botany leans more towards the clacky end, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more refined high-pitched resonance.

In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switch does not provide a specific description of its tactile sensations; however, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch excels with its buttery and creamy characteristics. These descriptors indicate that the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a remarkably smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding over the keys without resistance. The imaginative sensation likened to a silky smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making it enticing for those who enjoy a seamless flow. While the Botany’s feeling remains unspecified, users may generally expect a satisfactory experience, albeit less defined in its smoothness compared to the defined buttery and creamy characteristics of the Vanilla Ice Cream.

In summary, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provide engaging sound and feel, with distinct differences in their auditory feedback and tactile experience. The Botany is known for its lively clack, while the Vanilla Ice Cream impresses with its high-pitched, marbly resonance and buttery smoothness. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, choosing between these two will largely depend on whether one prefers a more pronounced sound versus a smoother typing experience; however, either option is likely to yield rewarding results overall.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your specific preferences in typing experience and sound. If you favor a lightweight switch with a crisp and lively auditory feedback, the Botany is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes for a responsive feel that enhances your typing speed, while its vibrant sound profile offers a more traditional clacky noise that is satisfying without being overly harsh. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery and creamy typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream is your go-to option. With a slightly heavier 48-gram bottom-out force and its unique POK material composition, you'll experience exceptionally smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Furthermore, its high-pitched and resonant sound adds an engaging auditory layer that distinguishes it from other switches, especially if you enjoy a sharper acoustic experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you’re looking for a livelier sound and feel or a smoother, more luxurious typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more