Akko Botany vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options, each offering unique advantages and characteristics. The Akko Botany linear switches are celebrated for their lively, crisp sound profile, providing an engaging auditory experience straight out of the box. Their design caters to gamers and typists seeking a tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing pleasure. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches stand out due to their innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches produce a medium-high pitched sound signature, appealing to those who prioritize a whisper-quiet yet responsive feel. Ultimately, both the Akko Botany and WS Pearl switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category, making the choice depend on whether you value auditory feedback or an ultra-smooth keystroke. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The nylon top housing in both cases is noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic is especially important for users seeking a pleasant sound while typing, as the softer material dampens sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more rounded auditory experience. Since both designs utilize nylon for the top housing, one can expect comparable aural qualities when typing on these switches.
In addition to their top housing, both the Botany and WS Pearl also incorporate nylon in their bottom housings. This consistency further enhances the likelihood of achieving similar acoustic properties across both keyboard models. As noted in their descriptions, the nylon bottom housing similarly absorbs sound, contributing to the overall depth of the typing experience. Users can anticipate that the bottom-out sound will be consistent across both keyboards, creating a harmonious blend of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. The uniform choice of nylon for both top and bottom housing in each switch design reinforces the characteristic sound profile that typists may appreciate.
However, it is essential to highlight the functional nuances brought forth by the physical separation of the top and bottom housings, even when both are made of the same material. While pressing down on either switch will yield a rich acoustic response, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing keys, while the bottom housing will significantly impact the bottom-out sound. Thus, while Akko Botany and WS Pearl keyboards share identical housing materials, the interplay of these materials and their placement yields a comprehensive typing experience that balances sound and tactile feedback in a pleasing manner for users. This consistency allows for a high degree of predictability in terms of performance across both keyboard models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, whereas the WS Pearl has a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference indicates that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the WS Pearl more suitable, particularly given its lower actuation requirement. However, the Botany does come with a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is less than the WS Pearl's bottom out force of 58 grams, suggesting that the Botany may provide a more forgiving experience when keys are fully pressed down. Consequently, while both switches cater to users looking for a somewhat relaxed typing experience, the Botany is ultimately the lighter switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out numbers, whereas the WS Pearl offers a slightly heavier feel, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Botany switch provides a marginally greater depth when pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more effectively to those seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers who benefit from faster key actuations. Overall, while both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, the Botany's 3.6 mm allows for a heftier feel, contrasting with the more abrupt engagement of the WS Pearl's 3.5 mm, making the choice between them largely dependent on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 linear switch is known for its crisp and lively clacky tone, offering an engaging auditory experience right out of the box. This distinctive sound can make typing feel more dynamic and enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a medium-high pitched sound signature that is unique due to its construction with ball-bearings to reduce friction. This results in a different auditory character that's smoother and possibly more refined, although the overall experience can still be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps you choose to use.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch delivers a responsive and smooth keystroke, offering a sense of reliability that many typists appreciate. The tactile satisfaction of the keystroke is immediate and consistent, making it ideal for both casual and more intensive typing sessions. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch is designed for an exceptionally smooth experience, thanks to its innovative ball-bearing system that significantly minimizes friction. This design element not only enhances the fluidity of each keystroke but also contributes to a unique typing sensation that feels almost effortless compared to traditional linear switches.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches present distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Botany offers a more traditional, lively typing experience, the WS Pearl stands out with its smooth and refined keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and responsiveness or an exceptionally smooth keystroke with a different sound character. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences when paired with suitable keyboards and keycaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a lightweight switch that provides a lively and crisp sound with a lower actuation force of 45 grams, the Botany would be the ideal choice. It's perfect for fast typists or gamers who prefer a snappy response and enjoy the clackier acoustic profile straight from the box. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother typing experience and don’t mind a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams, the WS Pearl is an excellent option. Its unique ball-bearing design significantly reduces friction, making each keystroke feel extraordinarily smooth, while the medium-high pitched sound adds a satisfying auditory element without being overly loud. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferences for actuation weight, sound profile, and overall typing feel, ensuring that whichever switch you choose enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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