Akko Botany vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and TTC Yunhai stand out as compelling options, each offering a unique sensory experience for users. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clackiness, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Yunhai switches feature a deep, rounded sound profile, combined with an incredibly light actuation force, making them ideal for those who prefer a gentler, more effortless typing experience. While the Akko Botany switches appeal to tactile enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced acoustics, the TTC Yunhai caters to typists seeking a smooth and delicate touch. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and sound preferences; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and TTC Yunhai switches are fundamentally similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality leads to a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon’s softer nature is instrumental in absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that users often find appealing. Both switches offering nylon housings ensure that users will enjoy comparable acoustic properties when typing, leading to a satisfying feedback loop of sound and feel.
While both the Botany and Yunhai switches are crafted from the same material, the variation in switch design may still lead to differing tactile experiences. Although the sound profile remains consistent due to the nylon material, the intricacies of each switch, such as stem design or spring configuration, can influence the feel during typing. This fact highlights the versatility of nylon as a material, which may serve different design philosophies while still delivering similar acoustic benefits. The softer properties of nylon mean that both switches would effectively absorb the impact of keystrokes, contributing to their similar auditory qualities.
In summary, the Akko Botany and TTC Yunhai both stand out due to their use of nylon housing, resulting in a cohesive sound profile and an enjoyable typing experience. However, factors like switch design and construction nuances can influence the overall feel, even if the material properties lay the groundwork for comparable auditory feedback. Users looking for switches that deliver similar results will find that both options embody the positive features of nylon, showcasing how material choice can strongly affect typing acoustics while still allowing for unique design expressions.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the TTC Yunhai requires a slightly heavier 42 grams to actuate. This indicates that the Botany switch is lighter, which may appeal to users who prefer longer typing sessions as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. Conversely, the bottom out forces also reflect this trend; the Botany switch bottoms out at 45 grams, whereas the Yunhai has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option overall. While both switches are considered light, the Akko Botany provides a softer feel ideal for extended use, whereas the TTC Yunhai offers a firmer resistance for those who might enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed down, they offer the same tactile response and feel. Since both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness. This uniformity allows for a consistent typing experience, making both switches suitable for users who prioritize travel distance in their mechanical keyboards. With no difference in this aspect, one does not have to choose between shorter or longer travel distances; they can select either switch based on other factors such as feel, sound, or build quality.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 produces a crisp, lively clacky tone that is quite engaging right out of the box. This sound signature may appeal to those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a deeper and more rounded sound profile, which introduces a unique auditory experience. The combination of this deeper sound with a notably light actuation force caters to typists who enjoy a more subdued auditory environment without sacrificing the joy of sound. Ultimately, while both switches have distinct sound characteristics, their performance can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch provides a crisp and responsive typing experience, which encourages a lively touch and engagement with each key press. This lively feeling can enhance typing rhythm and speed for many users. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch emphasizes a gentle and effortless actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch in their typing experience. This lighter feel can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it favorable for frequent typists. Although both switches aim to deliver enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences concerning overall actuation effort.
In conclusion, the Akko Botany and TTC Yunhai linear switches showcase distinctive attributes in sound and feel, appealing to different typing styles. The Botany's lively clacky sound and responsive feel contrast with the Yunhai's deep sound profile and light actuation, allowing users to select a switch that best matches their personal preferences. While both options offer enjoyable experiences, those who value crisp auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Akko Botany, while those seeking a more effortless touch might prefer the TTC Yunhai.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you’re looking for a lively and tactile feel with a crisp, clacky sound that can enhance your typing engagement, the Botany switch may be the better choice for you, especially if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams that allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, gently effortless typing experience with a deeper, rounded sound profile, then the Yunhai switch, with its slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams, could provide the comforting feedback and unique acoustics you desire. Consider the atmosphere in which you’ll be typing as well; the Botany may lend itself well to a more vibrant setup, while the Yunhai promotes a calmer typing environment. Ultimately, think about what aspects of sound and feel resonate most with you to make an informed choice that will enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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