Akko Botany vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, especially when comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch. The Akko Botany stands out with its lively, clacky sound profile, making it an enticing option for users who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback while typing. As a linear switch, it provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches are celebrated for their gentle tactile feedback, marked by a pleasingly poppy tactility that accommodates typists and gamers who appreciate a little more engagement with each keystroke. With a neutral sound signature, the Violet switches offer a balanced and enjoyable typing experience, catering to those who may prefer quieter operation without sacrificing feedback. Understanding the distinct characteristics of each switch is crucial in making an informed decision; 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Violet, the most striking difference lies in their top housing materials. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic properties, which help to absorb sound, resulting in a duller resonance. Conversely, the Violet boasts a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, more crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure enhances clarity and resonance, yielding a brighter auditory experience. Furthermore, polycarbonate’s translucence makes it particularly advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows for more vibrant illumination through the switch.
On the other hand, both the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Violet share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both cases. This uniformity in material translates to a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, consistent with the characteristics defined by this classic material. Ultimately, while the Botany and Violet display distinct auditory profiles in their actions due to the variation in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the fundamental qualities of sound absorption and deeper resonance persist across both models.
These contrasting top housing materials mean that the users of the Botany will experience a more subdued sound that is suitable for those who prefer a softer auditory experience, while users of the Violet will revel in a clearer and more vibrant output, ideal for dynamic soundscapes. Nevertheless, because both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, they will share that depth and fullness of sound when bottoming out, creating an interesting blend of auditory experiences overall. In a direct comparison, while both switches cater to distinct preferences, the essence of their auditory qualities is grounded in the use of nylon at the bottom housings, ensuring some level of sonic familiarity across both models despite their top housing differences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who desire a more pronounced resistance for a robust typing experience. However, the lack of a specified bottom out force for the Violet switch makes direct comparisons in that regard difficult. Consequently, while both switches may offer unique benefits, the Akko Botany is clearly the lighter option overall, providing a more effortless keystroke, whereas the Jerrzi Violet is heavier and might be favored by users seeking additional tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Botany switch will engage just a bit sooner than the Violet switch, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Violet’s longer travel distance could provide a more substantial and satisfying bottom-out experience for those who favor a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if you seek quicker response times, the Botany switch may be the better option, while the Violet may suit those who appreciate more depth in their typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 linear switch is known for its crisp, lively clacky sound, which can create an engaging auditory experience during typing. This audible feedback might appeal to those who enjoy a more expressive keystroke while working or gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate sound profile. This makes the Violet suitable for various environments, as it won't be overly distracting in a quiet office or at home. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer the pronounced auditory feedback of the Botany or the more subdued, balanced sound of the Violet.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Akko Botany linear switch delivers a smooth keystroke experience, making it ideal for typists who crave consistency without tactile interruptions that can sometimes accompany tactile switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is designed as a stepped switch, which means it provides a distinct tactile bump at a specific point in the key travel. This unique design allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback experience compared to linear switches, giving the user an enjoyable tactile pulse that enhances typing precision. Thus, the Botany caters to those who prefer uninterrupted smoothness, while the Violet appeals to those who appreciate tactile sensation during their keystrokes.
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Botany offers a vibrant acoustic profile and a smooth typing experience, making it great for users who favor expressiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Violet provides a balanced sound with a pleasing tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more feedback during typing. Consider your typing environment and personal preferences when making your choice, as the differences in sound and feel will significantly influence your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a noticeably lively sound, the Botany switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, would likely be an excellent fit for you. The crisp, clacky sound that it produces straight out of the box can add an enjoyable auditory dimension to your typing experience, especially if you enjoy that more expressive keystroke feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback, the Jerrzi Violet switch may be more to your liking. The Violet's tactile nature provides a pleasing pop during actuation without overwhelming your fingers, making it suitable for long hours of typing, whether for work or leisure. With its neutral sound signature, it won't disturb your environment, making it ideal for shared or quieter spaces. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard; this will help you make the right choice between these two excellent switches.
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