Akko Botany vs. HMX Xinhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and HMX Xinhai both cater to enthusiasts seeking a satisfying linear typing experience, but they stand out in their unique auditory characteristics and construction materials. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively, clacky sound right out of the box, offering an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. In contrast, the Xinhai is designed for those who appreciate a softer acoustic profile, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem that produce a notably crisp and higher-pitched resonance. While the Botany provides an energetic feel, the Xinhai embodies a blend of subtle sophistication and precision with its bouncy, clacky, and creamy characteristics. These distinctions can greatly influence your typing or gaming experience, making the choice between them essential based on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon as their primary material for both the top and bottom switch housings. This similarity directly influences the acoustic properties of both switches, leading to a comparable auditory experience during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound waves more than harder materials, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile for each switch. As a result, users of both keyboards can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing, which enhances the overall tactile feel and auditory experience of the switches.

Despite their reliance on the same housing material, the configuration of the switches may cause variances in user experience depending on how each keyboard is designed. The way the nylon absorbs sound plays a critical role in determining the nuance of the typing sound when the keys are pressed or released. Given that both the top and bottom housings of the Botany and Xinhai are constructed from nylon, any differences in sound profile or feel would likely stem from other design aspects or internal mechanisms that influence the tactile response of the switches. Nevertheless, the shared material will contribute dominantly to the similarities in acoustic properties.

In practical terms, when typing on both keyboards, the experience will reflect their design philosophies rooted in nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Pressing down on either switch will provide a consistent bottom-out feel—more influenced by the bottom housing’s nylon material—while releasing the key will showcase the top housing's sound characteristics, also shaped by its nylon construction. Consequently, even if there are minute differences in switch design or responsiveness, the core attributes derived from nylon will result in a consistent auditory experience across both the Akko Botany and HMX Xinhai switches, affirming the effect of the chosen housing material on performance.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces that cater to users seeking a comfortable typing experience. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, slightly heavier than the Xinhai’s 37 grams, making the Xinhai feel marginally lighter to press. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 45 grams, resulting in a consistent bottoming out experience. This similarity in bottom out force means that while users may experience a lighter keystroke feel with the Xinhai due to its lower actuation force, the overall feeling of bottoming out remains the same for both switches. For those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Xinhai is the better option. Conversely, the slight additional resistance of the Botany could appeal to users who favor a more substantial push feel.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Botany switch provides a deeper feel with its greater travel distance, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial key press. Conversely, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Xinhai switch might appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm may seem small, but it can significantly affect the typing or gaming experience; those who favor a more tactile depth should opt for the Botany switch, while those who prioritize speed might find the Xinhai to be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp, lively, and clacky characteristics, providing a bright and percussive auditory experience straight out of the box. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a more sophisticated sound profile, created by its PA12 top housing which allows for softer acoustics, paired with a POM stem that delivers a higher-pitched resonance. This makes the Xinhai sound distinct yet refined, producing a combination of clarity and subtlety that might appeal to those looking for a more nuanced typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique auditory signatures, they can both provide an engaging sound experience, although the Botany leans more towards brightness, whereas the Xinhai favors a softer tone.

In terms of feel, the Botany switch is celebrated for its responsiveness and overall typing satisfaction, though specifics about its tactile response were not provided. The HMX Xinhai switch stands out with two key characteristics: a bouncy quality that gives a springy sensation when typing, and a creamy texture that allows for silky smooth keystrokes. The bounciness enhances the typing experience by providing gratifying rebound with each press, while the creamy aspect ensures an effortless glide across the keys. So, while the Botany's tactile feel remains somewhat vague, the Xinhai more definitively offers a combination of dynamic and smooth feedback, making it a potentially more enjoyable choice for users seeking tactile satisfaction.

In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and HMX Xinhai linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Botany excels in producing a vibrant, crisp sound, whereas the Xinhai balances a sophisticated acoustic profile with its bouncy and creamy feel. Newcomers can expect to find engaging typing experiences with either option, though the Xinhai may offer a more luxurious tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding the trade-offs between sound and feel, as both switches effectively deliver an enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch comes down to your personal preferences regarding both sound and feel. If you enjoy a lively, clacky auditory experience that adds excitement to your typing or gaming sessions, the Botany switch might be the perfect fit for you. With its crisp sound profile, it brings an engaging auditory element to your keystrokes that can elevate your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and more sophisticated typing feel, the Xinhai switch stands out with its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The POM stem of the Xinhai provides a unique, higher-pitched resonance while offering a satisfying spring-like feedback that can make your typing feel effortless. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that balances subtlety in sound with a plush, comfortable feel, the Xinhai is likely your best bet. In essence, consider what qualities matter most to you in your typing experience—be it the entertaining clack of the Botany or the refined smoothness of the Xinhai—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more