Akko Botany vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When seeking the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and KTT Wine Red offer distinct experiences for different typing preferences. The Botany switch stands out with its lively, clacky sound, bringing an engaging auditory experience that many typists appreciate right out of the box. Designed for those who enjoy a bit of character in their keystrokes, this linear switch can enhance both typing and gaming sessions. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red switches present a more understated yet inviting approach. With a pillowy light feel and a satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile, these switches cater to users who prefer a smooth and muted typing experience. Both switches offer unique aesthetics and tactile feedback, making them appealing choices for various users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and KTT Wine Red switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to the differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence both sound profile and overall typing experience. The Botany switches feature a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as the material absorbs vibrations and resonates less sharply. Conversely, the Wine Red switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, imparting a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enables a more resonant quality, resulting in higher-pitched sounds that articulate the typing experience more clearly. Therefore, the audio feedback and tactile response in each switch type will vary – with the Botany providing a more muted experience compared to the bright and pronounced clarity of the Wine Red.
In addition to sound differences, the materials also affect aesthetic considerations, particularly with regard to RGB lighting. The polycarbonate housing of the Wine Red switches is translucent, allowing for superior light transmission, which enhances the illumination effects when RGB lighting is activated. This can create a visually striking keyboard setup. In contrast, the nylon housings of the Botany switches, although durable, do not provide the same level of translucency and thus may not showcase RGB lighting as effectively. Aesthetically, this eliminates some versatility for users who prioritize vibrant lighting effects in their mechanical keyboards, while the Botany focuses more on the auditory experience rather than lighting appeal.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches leads to different tactile experiences. While the Botany switches' nylon housings provide a cohesive sound profile that absorbs vibrations, the KTT Wine Red switches, with their polycarbonate construction, yield more defined auditory feedback. If both switches are used in a keyboard setup, one can select based on preference: whether one seeks the warm, rounded tones of the Botany or the precise, vivid responses from the Wine Red. If a hybrid typing experience is desired, it's possible to integrate switches with varying housing characteristics, allowing for a unique blend of deep and crisp sound profiles across the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Wine Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial feel while typing. Consequently, the Botany switch is better suited for users seeking a lighter switch, while the Wine Red offers a medium-light experience for those who enjoy a firmer push. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Akko Botany is the better choice, while the KTT Wine Red provides more resistance for users who appreciate a stronger keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see a clear difference; the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Akko Botany the shorter option, which could provide a more responsive feel, especially appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red's longer travel distance may deliver a more robust and satisfying experience for users who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches largely depends on individual preferences: those who appreciate speed might gravitate towards the Botany, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation may find the Wine Red more appealing.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switches stand out with their crisp, lively clacky sound profile that tends to engage typists right from the moment they begin typing. This quality offers a satisfying auditory feedback that makes keystrokes feel dynamic and lively. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switches have a distinctly deeper and richer sound, characterized by a bassy and low-pitched tone. This creates a more mellow auditory experience, appealing to those who may prefer a softer and less aggressive sound while typing. Both switches will produce different auditory experiences, but it's worth noting that factors such as the keyboard build, mounting style, and keycap material will also play a role in the final sound you experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany switches are noted for their smooth operation, but the specific tactile characteristics aren't detailed. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red linear switches are recognized for offering a pillowy light typing experience, providing a softness that makes long typing sessions feel comfortable. While the exact feel of the Botany switches may not be outlined, the smoothness inherent in linear switches like both options suggests that users would enjoy a glide without tactile bumps, though the weight and resistance could vary based on switch design.
Overall, both the Akko Botany and KTT Wine Red linear switches cater to users seeking different auditory experiences and tactile qualities. The Botany brings a lively and crisp sound, while the Wine Red offers a deep and plush auditory experience paired with light tactile feedback. While specific details about the feel of the Botany switches are lacking, both sets of switches provide a linear typing experience that remains smooth and consistent, ensuring that newcomers will find satisfying options in either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switches and the KTT Wine Red linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you favor a lighter touch with a crisp and lively acoustic feedback right out of the box, the Akko Botany switches would be a great choice for you. Their lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes them ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick actions are essential. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier key press—providing a satisfying resistance along with a pillowy feel—the KTT Wine Red switches might be more up your alley. With their medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and a rich, deep sound profile, they are perfect for a more textured typing experience that delivers a tactile and immersive sensation with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also the types of activities you'll be engaging in on your keyboard.
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