Akko Botany vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options, such as the Akko Botany and the Durock White Lotus. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its crisp and lively clack, providing an engaging sound profile that makes each keystroke feel satisfying, ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist, featuring a gentle tactility that offers a perfect balance between feedback and comfort, making it well-suited for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, enhancing its appeal with vibrant RGB lighting that can add a stunning visual element to your setup. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: the lively and auditory nature of the Botany versus the subtle and visually appealing experience of the White Lotus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Durock White Lotus switches, notable distinctions arise particularly in their top housing compositions. The Botany utilizes a classic nylon top housing, renowned for its sound-absorbing qualities that foster a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer nature, which contributes to a muted auditory experience, making for a typing environment that is both pleasant and resonant. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE, which introduces a premium feel while maintaining sound clarity. This unique combination may result in a crisper sound profile compared to the Botany, offering a different tactile feedback experience when typing.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Botany and White Lotus exhibit similarities, as both utilize nylon. This consistency ensures that the typing experience on both switches retains a deeper sound quality, with the bottom housing primarily affecting the bottom-out sensation and overall feel when the key is pressed. Nylon's intrinsic properties contribute to a rounder bottom-out sound on both switches, providing a familiar auditory response to users. Therefore, regardless of the top housing differences, the similarity in bottom housing means that both switches will deliver a comparable tactile feedback experience and sound profile during key presses.

Ultimately, while the top housings of the Akko Botany and Durock White Lotus switches differ in material composition, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent base for sound and feel. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of bottom-out feedback and sound quality when typing. The contrast of the materials in the top housing may affect the overall typing experience, but the underlying similarities offer a familiar auditory experience for users who appreciate a fuller sound profile. Consequently, both switches present distinct advantages while maintaining some commonalities that cater to enthusiasts who value nuanced tactile and auditory feedback in their keyboard experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus features a higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter keystroke for prolonged typing sessions or gaming may favor the Botany switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the White Lotus. The distinct differences in weight and force characteristics ultimately cater to varying user preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus measures at 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, which can provide a faster response time that may appeal to gamers or those who favor quick keypresses. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the White Lotus at 4 mm offers a more substantial feel that some might prefer for a tactile experience. Therefore, if you're seeking responsiveness, the shorter Botany switch may be your best bet, but if you value a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the White Lotus could be more satisfying.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp and lively clacky sound profile, making it quite engaging in a typist's environment. This characteristic can provide a more invigorating atmosphere during typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a more subdued audio experience with its low-pitched and neutral sound. This acoustical profile leans towards a bass-heavy tone that is mellow and less intrusive. Therefore, individuals seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback may find the Botany switch to be more appealing, while those preferring a quieter and less attention-grabbing sound might lean towards the tranquil experience of the White Lotus.

Regarding feel, the Akko Botany switch is characterized as smooth and straightforward, making it a favorable choice for fans of linear switches seeking a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press mechanism with gentle resistance, contributing to a low-impact and comfortable typing experience. This switch classifies as mild and subtle, catering to a diverse audience by providing an approachable tactile response without overwhelming the user. The tactile nature of the White Lotus enhances typing, making it suitable for long sessions without inducing fatigue, while the Akko Botany’s smoothness is ideal for those who prefer a more fluid keystroke.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany linear and Durock White Lotus tactile switches provide distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Botany switch excels in delivering a crisp sound, while the White Lotus focuses on a more subdued auditory experience paired with a gentle tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the lively feedback of the Botany switch or the calm, soothing characteristics of the White Lotus. Each provides a unique typing experience, demonstrating how varied mechanical keyboard switches can cater to individual needs and enhance overall user satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and specific use cases. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a crisp, clacky sound, the Botany linear switch is an excellent choice, particularly for fast-paced gaming or energetic typing experiences. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a responsive and lively keystroke without straining their fingers. Conversely, if you prioritize a more balanced typing experience that combines gentle tactile feedback with reduced noise, the White Lotus tactile switch is designed for comfort and prolonged use. With a 56-gram bottom-out force and its easy-to-press nature, it offers a perfect fit for professionals who do extensive writing or coding, making it less likely to fatigue your fingers during long sessions. Furthermore, the subtlety of the White Lotus's tactile feedback allows for a tranquil typing experience, which is especially useful in shared environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the primary activities you engage in while using your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more