Akko Botany vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Haimu Viola Tricolor present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Botany switches are linear, producing a crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, which can greatly enhance the auditory experience for those who enjoy a more straightforward typing feel. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are tactile, delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile alongside a pronounced tactility that adds depth to the typing experience without overwhelming the user. While the Botany switches might appeal to those seeking smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, the Viola Tricolor is likely to attract users who appreciate a sharp feedback and a satisfying ‘bump’ with each press. Each switch has its unique charm, catering to different preferences, but 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Haimu Viola Tricolor exhibit distinct characteristics, particularly in their top housings. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This difference is paramount for those who appreciate the nuanced sounds of keystrokes, as the polycarbonate’s translucency not only enhances sound clarity but also offers aesthetic benefits when integrated with RGB lighting setups.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize nylon materials. This uniformity means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches share a similar deeper sound profile at the bottom. The nylon bottom housing serves to ground the typing experience, producing that same rounder auditory characteristic desired by users. Since both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, the experience of bottoming out will feel more consistent across both models, reinforcing the rich, soft sound that nylon inherently provides.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the two switches deliver contrasting sound profiles—nylon for a rounded experience in the Botany versus a crisper sound in the Viola Tricolor—both switches benefit from the nylon material in their bottom housings. This shared element leads to an overall compatibility in sound quality upon bottoming out while allowing the unique top housing materials to bring their distinctive flavors to the typing experience. Consequently, users can enjoy variations in sound aesthetics based on their choice of top housing while still retaining some common auditory characteristics attributed to the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present distinct characteristics in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. The Botany switch has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier for users who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, while its bottom out force is notably higher at 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. This suggests the Viola Tricolor is better suited for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Botany switch accommodates lighter preferences, the Haimu Viola Tricolor caters to users who prefer a heavier actuation and bottom out experience, making them suitable for different user needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Botany switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference may influence your typing or gaming experience significantly. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Botany a potentially better choice for those seeking speed and responsiveness. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, your preference will determine which switch is better suited to your needs, favoring either the Botany's swiftness or the Viola's depth.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switches produce a crisp and lively clacky sound, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy an auditory feedback during their typing experience. This high-pitched character adds an energetic vibe to each keystroke right out of the box. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches deliver a more bassy and low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a thuddy and punchy tone that feels deeper and richer. This results in a soundscape that is mellow yet distinctive, offering a unique auditory pleasure while typing. While the Botany gives you a sharper note, the Viola Tricolor leans towards a softer, resonant experience, making these switches quite different in their acoustic characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Botany's attributes aren't specified in detail, but we can infer that its crispy sound might indicate a smoother, more linear experience typical of linear switches. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is designed with a pronounced tactile feedback that falls into the “medium tactile” category, providing an accented sensation that offers clear, noticeable feedback without being overwhelming. This balance allows for a satisfying typing experience that keeps the user engaged and comfortable. While one switch may lean towards a smoother ride, the other encourages a more defined interaction, appealing to different typing preferences.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. The Botany is defined by its lively clackiness, which contrasts sharply with the deeper, punchier sound of the Viola Tricolor. When it comes to tactile feedback, while the specifics of the Botany remain vague, the Viola clearly provides a balanced and pleasing tactile response. This juxtaposition makes each switch appealing to different preferences, and those seeking a lively auditory experience will gravitate towards the Botany, while those who enjoy a thuddier feedback with tactile clarity will prefer the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique flavor to the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your keyboard. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter switch with a crisp, lively sound, then the Botany switch would be a superb choice for you. Its 45-gram actuation force allows for quick typing and a smooth transition between keys, making it an excellent option for fast-paced gaming or extended work sessions when you want to minimize finger fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides a more pronounced tactile feedback along with a lower, deeper sound, the Viola Tricolor is likely to be more appealing. With a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and its thuddy, bassy sound profile, this switch offers a satisfying typing experience that is suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy feeling that distinct bump with each key press. Overall, your choice should reflect your individual typing style and sound preference, allowing you to create a keyboard setup that enhances your productivity and enjoyment.
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