Akko Botany vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and TTC Venus both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound profile, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback with every keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists who thrive on the engaging sounds of their typing, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its innovative design, providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience accompanied by a muted sound signature that evokes the sensation of indulging in chewy mochi. This makes the Venus a fantastic option for those who prefer a quieter workspace without sacrificing the tactile joy of typing. Both switches are linear, ensuring a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, but they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and TTC Venus switches display distinct characteristics in their choice of housing materials, leading to differences in sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Akko Botany employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which better absorbs sound and yields a duller, rounder auditory experience. The overall tactile feedback combines a smoothness that many typists enjoy, as the nylon contributes to a more muted bottom-out sound when pressed. In contrast, the TTC Venus uses a combination of POM for the top housing and polycarbonate for the bottom housing, creating a more layered auditory canvas. The POM top captures a deeper, somewhat muted sound, reminiscent of the warmth within the Botany's profile, while the polycarbonate bottom introduces a sharper and crisper sound, adding more clarity upon bottoming out.
When examining performance and acoustic profiles, the different materials manifest contrasting effects on sound quality. The Botany's solely nylon composition leads to a cohesive sound experience, where both the bottom and top housings work in unison to create a rich auditory response. On the other hand, the TTC Venus's hybrid approach with POM and polycarbonate separates the sound qualities significantly. The POM top contributes to the smoother release upon keypress, while the polycarbonate bottom emphasizes brightness and sharpness. This differential allows for a more complex tonal palette, making the Venus particularly appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced, clear sound when typing.
In terms of visual and aesthetic appeal, both switches showcase unique characteristics stemming from their materials. The polycarbonate housing of the Venus offers the advantage of translucency, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting effects, giving it a vibrant and immersive lighting presence. Although the Botany's nylon housings do not provide the same level of light diffusion, they offer an understated elegance and a classic look. This divergence in aesthetics, paired with their varied acoustic outputs, illustrates how the different materials affect user experience. However, despite these distinctions, both switches can achieve satisfying results; the Botany provides a collectively warm and full sound, while the Venus delivers an engaging auditory interplay through the combination of its materials, each enhancing the typing experience in unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we observe a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Venus switch requires a greater actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may favor the Botany, while those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback from a heavier switch might gravitate towards the Venus. Essentially, the Botany switch will yield a softer, more delicate typing experience, whereas the Venus will offer a slightly firmer feel, catering to different preferences in typing comfort and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Botany offers a more responsive feel, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Venus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer, as it allows for a deeper feel while typing. Ultimately, those who prioritize speed might gravitate toward the Botany, while individuals seeking a more traditional typing depth may find the Venus to be a better fit.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 switch is well-known for its crisp, lively clacky sound, offering an engaging auditory experience right out of the box. This quality makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus features a much more subdued sound profile. It is characterized by a low-pitched, muted, and thocky output, making it suited for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. While the Botany provides an energized clack, the Venus favors a more low-key, yet satisfying auditory result, allowing for a tranquil typing atmosphere.
When evaluating feel, the Botany does not have specific descriptors provided, so we must consider the absence of defined characteristics here. In contrast, the TTC Venus is celebrated for its unique typing experience which includes buttery, gummy, and frictionless sensations. The Venus offers a smooth glide that makes each keystroke feel effortless. It provides a fluid travel that enhances comfort during typing sessions, thereby making it a strong contender for those who prioritize tactile enjoyment. The "gummy" aspect introduces an interesting sensation when bottoming out, akin to bouncing on a trampoline, which adds a playful element to the typing experience.
In conclusion, selecting between the Akko Botany and TTC Venus switches comes down to personal preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize lively clackiness and a more engaging acoustic profile, the Botany would be a better fit. However, if you prefer a subtle sound with a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Venus offers a compelling choice. Ultimately, both switches can accommodate different typing styles and environments, allowing users to find satisfaction according to their unique needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lively, clacky sound that energizes your typing experience, the Botany switch might be the better option for you, particularly given its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force. This makes it easier for frantic typists or gamers who prefer quick, less strenuous keystrokes, allowing for faster actuation without fatigue. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more nuanced experience with a muted sound signature and a focus on smooth, effortless keystrokes, the TTC Venus could be ideal. Its slightly higher 52-gram bottom-out force provides a more substantial feel, combined with a unique internal design that offers a comforting "gummy" sensation upon bottoming out, reminiscent of soft mochi. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate a bit of tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, perfect for both quiet office environments and late-night gaming sessions. In the end, choose the Akko Botany for a buoyant and expressive typing experience, or the TTC Venus for a silky, understated performance that enhances your overall typing comfort.
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