Akko Botany vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Outemu Yellow Silver offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its lively and crisp clacky sound, which can enhance the tactile experience for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This switch is ideal for those who want an engaging, acoustic typing experience that stands out in a crowd. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver prioritizes speed and responsiveness with a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for gamers and typists looking for quick movements without excessive noise. While both switches provide smooth keystrokes and can cater to different preferences, they each have unique attributes that may influence your decision. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in terms of their top housing but share similarities in their bottom housing. The Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic properties allow it to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it more pronounced when typing. While both switches serve the purpose of facilitating key presses, the differing top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles that will appeal to different user preferences.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches utilize nylon, aligning their sonic characteristics and tactile feel in this aspect. As mentioned, nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a more subdued and coalescent sound experience. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches create unique acoustic environments, such as the Botany's mellowness versus the Yellow Silver's brightness, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent and fuller sound experience when bottoming out. This unity in material translates to a tactile sensation that is rounded and cohesive, irrespective of the differences found in their top housings.
The impact of the differing top and bottom housing materials illustrates how key characteristics permeate through a switch's performance. In practical terms, when a user types on the Akko Botany, they'll experience the soft, absorptive sound qualities of the nylon top housing paired with the similarly textured nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a poised combination of the crispness from its polycarbonate upper structure, contrasted with the rich fullness from its nylon lower section. This distinction ensures that while both switches may vary in the auditory feedback they provide from their top enclosures, the tactile feedback and overall experience for users will reach a harmonious balance due to the shared bottom housing properties.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort, while the Yellow Silver requires a moderate actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the Botany switch may be preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as the lighter force can reduce finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Botany continues to be lighter at 45 grams compared to the Yellow Silver’s 55 grams. Consequently, the Botany switches provide an overall lighter experience, whereas the Yellow Silver delivers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push when typing. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter option that facilitates prolonged use, the Akko Botany would be the better choice, while those favoring a stronger tactile response may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the Botany switch could provide a more responsive typing experience, appealing to gamers who favor faster key actuation. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial feel when typing, offering a deeper keypress that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the Akko Botany linear switch offers the shorter travel distance, making it potentially better for quick actions, while the Outemu Yellow Silver switch presents the longer travel distance, catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress experience.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 stands out with its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it an engaging option for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate sound level that caters to users who prefer a quieter experience. This quality makes the Yellow Silver suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While the Botany offers a more pronounced auditory signature, both switches ultimately provide different auditory experiences that depend heavily on your specific setup, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Akko Botany switch is known for its smooth keypress, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who appreciate a tactile response. The Yellow Silver switch, on the other hand, offers a light actuation force, making it highly responsive and particularly well-suited for gamers who require quick input without significant resistance. This combination of light force and smooth travel makes both switches appealing to users who favor effortless keystrokes. While the tactile experience might differ—providing a more lively feel with the Botany and a more streamlined action with the Yellow Silver—neither switch sacrifices comfort or responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among users. The Botany excels with its vibrant acoustics, while the Yellow Silver’s neutral sound profile allows for versatile use in various settings. When it comes to feel, the Botany provides a satisfying smoothness contrast to the Yellow Silver’s lightweight and responsive nature. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a quicker, more responsive keypress action. Regardless of the decision, both switches provide high-quality performance suited for a range of applications.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, your choice largely depends on your preferences for sound, actuation force, and intended usage. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a distinct, lively clacky sound in your typing experience, the Botany switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. Its unique acoustic profile can add a delightful element to both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more balanced switch with a slightly heavier 55-gram bottom-out force that provides speed and responsiveness, the Yellow Silver might be the better option for you. Its neutral sound and feel lend themselves well to both gaming and typing environments, making it a versatile choice if you're unsure of your specific needs. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether that’s the tactile feedback and sound of the Botany or the responsive performance and neutrality of the Yellow Silver—as these factors will guide you to the most satisfying switch for your keyboard setup.
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