Akko Botany vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, especially when comparing two notable linear switches: the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Jade. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the WS Jade is distinguished by its innovative metallic insert in the stem base, producing a bright, resonant sound profile that captivates both the ears and the eyes, thanks to its integrated light diffuser that enhances RGB displays. While the creamy, smooth feel and the rock-solid bottom-out of the WS Jade provide a luxurious typing experience, the Botany's vibrant sound may appeal to users looking for a more traditional tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound and aesthetics or a silky feel during use. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, we observe key differences and similarities that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Botany employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, promoting a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon’s softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a rounder and more dulled acoustic profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the WS Jade houses are crafted from POM plastic, known for producing a unique sound that is also deeper yet slightly muted. While both materials create a sound profile that favors depth, nylon's capacity for sound absorption leads to a milder impact on the audible feedback compared to the distinctive resonance afforded by POM.
On the other hand, when analyzing the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is evident that each component plays a critical role. The Botany's nylon bottom housing complements its top, resulting in a cohesive auditory experience that is softer and rounder. This is particularly important when considering bottom-out sounds, where the nylon's properties absorb vibrations effectively. Conversely, the WS Jade's POM bottom housing enhances a different kind of satisfaction, as it offers a muted sound that can still be deeply enjoyable. Though the quality of the bottom housing dominates the bottom-out sound and feel, the POM material's characteristics will juxtapose against those of the nylon, creating a unique duality in the typing experience.
Ultimately, despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to achieve similar auditory outcomes, albeit through contrasting methodologies. When typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper sound profile due to the inherent properties of the materials employed. While the nylon of the Akko Botany leans towards a more absorbed and dampened feedback, the WS Jade’s POM provides an intriguing clarity and texture that remains pleasingly muted. Therefore, while the switch experiences differ, they will still yield results that lead to satisfaction in auditory feedback, showcasing how distinctive materials can converge to deliver a fulfilling typing experience.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, offering a range of typing experiences for users. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a smoother and less strenuous typing experience, especially beneficial for extended periods of use. In contrast, the WS Jade switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists and gamers appreciate for its tactile feedback. This means that the Botany switch is the lighter option, while the WS Jade is the heavier one. Consequently, users looking for a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Akko Botany switch, whereas those who desire a firmer push would likely prefer the WS Jade. Overall, the differences in force characteristics lead to distinctly different typing experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. With the same travel distance, both switches will provide a comparable tactile experience when pressed down, making them equally responsive in typing or gaming scenarios. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, resulting in a consistent performance across both options.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany switches produce a lively and crisp clacky sound, creating a percussive auditory experience that is quite engaging for typists who enjoy clear feedback from their keystrokes. This sharp and snappy sound profile makes each key press noticeable and adds to the overall enjoyment of typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches are characterized by a bright metallic and resonant sound due to the metallic insert in their stem base. This introduces a higher-pitched, immersive auditory experience that is clean and sharp, making it appealing for those who appreciate a more intricate sound profile. While both switches produce distinct sounds, they can create a vibrant and dynamic auditory environment when used with compatible boards and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches lack detailed descriptions, but one can infer that their liveliness in sound may be complemented by a responsive feel, allowing for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade switches stand out for their remarkably silky and creamy tactile sensations. This unique feel is achieved through careful design and potentially lubricant application, resulting in a smooth, buttery typing experience that feels incredibly delightful as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. The rock-solid bottom-out enhances confidence in each keystroke, making it ideal for both casual and serious typists.
Overall, the Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer clearly divergent auditory and tactile experiences. The Botany’s crisp clackiness contrasts with the WS Jade's resonant and metallic sound, while the Jades provide a uniquely smooth and creamy feel that is not explicitly described for the Botany switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with both offering unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a lively, clacky sound right out of the box, the Botany is a solid choice. With its 45-gram bottom-out force, it demands less effort for each keystroke, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or for those who appreciate a more responsive feel while gaming. On the other hand, if you want a medium-weight switch that delivers a uniquely smooth and creamy typing experience, the WS Jade is the way to go. Its 60-gram bottom-out force offers a more substantial feel, complemented by a metallic resonance that brings your typing to life, while the light diffuser enhances your RGB display for a visually appealing setup. Thus, when deciding between the two, consider whether you lean towards a lighter, more sharp auditory experience with the Botany, or if a richer, more textured feel with the metallic depth of the WS Jade suits your typing style.
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