Akko Botany vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinctly different experiences that cater to varied preferences. The Botany is a linear switch celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, providing a tactile feedback that many typing enthusiasts enjoy. In contrast, the WS Dash from Wuque Studio introduces a hall effect mechanism, renowned for its silky smooth keystroke combined with a bright and clacky sound signature. This unique combination not only enhances performance but also adds a touch of refinement with its captivating re-color of the Magnetic Jade. While the Botany is perfect for users seeking a straightforward and lively typing experience, the WS Dash appeals to those who value both smoothness and auditory feedback in their keystrokes. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a clear distinction lies in the top housing components. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's relatively softer characteristics. This absorption of sound creates a more muted auditory experience, fostering a sense of warmth in typing sounds. In contrast, the WS Dash incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects. Thus, while the Akko Botany prioritizes a rounded acoustic profile, the WS Dash aims for an articulate and resonant auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, there is a notable similarity between both models, as both the Botany and WS Dash utilize nylon for this component. This shared material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are engaged, as nylon's softer composition effectively absorbs sound. When typing, the tactile feedback is characterized by the muted quality associated with nylon, contributing to a consistent user experience regardless of the specific model. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound, both keyboards deliver a similar auditory sensation during key presses, reinforcing the notion that both switch designs prioritize a satisfying keystroke feedback.
Overall, the contrasts between the Akko Botany and the WS Dash highlight how distinct materials can shape the typing experience. With differing top housing materials leading to varied sound profiles, users may find that their choice between a warmer, fuller sound versus a sharper, crisper sound will heavily influence their preference. However, the underlying commonality in bottom housing—both featuring nylon—ensures a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in top housing. This duality illustrates how selecting different materials for switch components can create layered auditory feedback while also retaining essential characteristics that make typing satisfying across different models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch with its lighter actuation force of 38 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, which features a slightly heavier actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, several distinctions arise. The Botany switch is designed for those who favor a lighter push feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, while the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force at 30 grams compared to the Botany's 38 grams, its bottom out force of 55 grams indicates a more substantial resistance at the end of the keystroke. This can provide a firmer typing experience that some users might prefer for a more tactile feedback. Overall, although the Botany switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the WS Dash presents a heavier bottoming out experience, catering to typists seeking more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Botany switch measures 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although both switches are relatively short and cater to those seeking quicker response times, the Botany provides a bit more depth in each keypress, which some users might prefer for a more substantial feel. Conversely, the WS Dash's shorter travel could be advantageous for gamers looking for rapid actuation. Overall, if you prioritize a more pronounced keypress, the Akko Botany is the better choice, whereas those who favor a snappier response will find the Wuque Studio WS Dash 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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switch is known for producing a crisp, lively clacky sound, giving a vibrant auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate right out of the box. This sharp response adds a layer of satisfaction to each keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch also delivers a bright and clacky sound signature, resonating well with users who prefer a percussive auditory experience. Both switches possess a similar acoustic quality, characterized by their clarity and brightness, contributing to a delightful and engaging sound profile that complements their tactile experiences.
In terms of feel, the Akko Botany linear switch offers a smooth typing experience, which is typical of linear switches but is further enhanced by the switch's design and materials. The WS Dash switches, on the other hand, are described as polished and silky, indicating an exceptionally refined keystroke with minimal friction. Users can expect an incredibly smooth typing experience with the WS Dash as well, highlighting its sleek feel and the lack of resistance commonly found in lower-quality switches. Therefore, while the exact textural qualities of the Botany may not be explicitly noted, it aligns closely with the refined smoothness associated with the WS Dash.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch provide a crisp and bright sound experience, enhancing the enjoyment of every keystroke. The tactile feel of the switches showcases a commitment to smooth performance, with the WS Dash taking this a step further by emphasizing a polished and silky finish. Ultimately, users can expect similar acoustic and tactile rewards from both switches, making them excellent options for newcomers exploring the nuances of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re looking for a light, responsive switch that produces a lively, crisp clacky sound, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force paired with a bright auditory feedback makes it ideal for casual typing, gaming, or when you want a more effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and a more refined typing experience, the WS Dash might be more suitable for you. With its medium-light force, polished, and silky smooth keystrokes, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated feel and less friction per keystroke. This switch is perfect for long typing sessions or for those who appreciate a controlled and elegant sound profile. Ultimately, consider how much you value sound and tactile feedback in your typing experience to select the switch that best fits your needs.