Akko Botany vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Red offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, both categorized as linear switches. The Botany is renowned for its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience, complemented by a classic sound signature due to its unique material blend. With a heavier actuation force, the WS Red adds a satisfying weight to each keystroke, which can enhance the tactile experience for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, your preference may hinge on whether you value the lively sound of the Botany or the weighty responsiveness of the WS Red. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a renowned material in the keyboard switch industry due to its inherent qualities that enhance the typing experience. Both the Akko Botany and WS Red switches provide a similar auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This versatility makes nylon an ideal choice, as its softer texture contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic presentation when typing. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a rich sound signature during operation.
Despite the similarity in materials, the performance characteristics of the switches can differ based on various design aspects beyond the housing material itself. While the nylon construction will ensure that users receive a smooth typing experience with a particular emphasis on sound quality, other factors such as the switch design, actuation point, and spring tension will ultimately influence how the tactile feedback feels during use. Consequently, while users of both switches enjoy the advantages of nylon, their subjective experiences may range widely based on the overall switch design and how those designs integrate with the nylon housings.
In essence, both the Akko Botany and the WS Red utilize the same nylon material for their housings, which ensures that key sound characteristics will be consistent across both models. The use of nylon guarantees that the acoustic properties will maintain a similar profile; nonetheless, the interaction between the bottom and top housing can produce nuanced differences in typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily influences the sound released when a key is released. Thus, while users will benefit from a comparable sound profile due to the shared material, the entire typing experience will still manifest unique qualities that aficionados might appreciate in either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany boasts a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red has an undefined actuation force but features a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance that provides a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke. As a result, the Botany is the lighter option, catering to those who favor ease of use, while the WS Red is heavier, appealing to users who seek that satisfying push-back in their typing experience. Overall, selecting between these switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation sensitivity and the tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the Akko Botany has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm means that users who prioritize responsiveness may prefer the Botany switch for its quicker actuation, which can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, those who favor a more traditional feel, with a slightly deeper press, might opt for the WS Red. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in typing experience, with the Botany providing a more immediate feedback sensation, while the WS Red allows for greater key travel, potentially offering a more satisfying tactile depth.
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 Red comes in at $3.50 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 delivers a distinctive crisp and lively clacky tone, making each keystroke feel distinctly audible and engaging. This lively sound profile can create an enjoyable auditory experience for those who appreciate a pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch offers a familiar sound signature thanks to its classic material blend, though it may not be as pronounced as the Botany's lively output. The sound produced by the WS Red is more subdued, contributing to an atmosphere that is quieter while still maintaining an enjoyable auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch provides a smooth and fluid typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that are pleasant for extended use. Its linear nature offers a consistent resistance that many find soothing. In contrast, the WS Red switch features a 22mm double-stage spring, which not only adds a bounciness to each keystroke but also results in a heavier actuation force. This additional weight introduces a satisfying tension that can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer more feedback and a tactile element in their switches.
In summary, while both the Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Botany is ideal for those who enjoy a lively sound and a smooth feel, whereas the WS Red appeals to users who seek a more grounded and weighted typing experience along with a classic sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a crisp auditory feedback or a more substantial typing sensation in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter actuation force and a more tactile sound profile, the Akko Botany switches would be an excellent fit for you. With their 45-gram bottom-out force and a lively, crisp sound that's delightful to type on, these switches are perfect for casual typing, gaming, and long sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier feel and a more substantive typing experience, the WS Red switches may be the better choice. With a 67-gram bottom-out force and a bouncy, responsive action provided by the double-stage spring, these switches deliver a satisfying weight that can enhance your typing precision and control. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your needs—whether you value a lighter touch or a more pronounced keystroke.