Akko Botany vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches present two distinct options tailored for different typing preferences. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its lively and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback and a more tactile experience as they type. This switch's engaging sound profile can enhance the enjoyment of typing, particularly for those who appreciate the rhythm of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° prioritizes a silent typing experience, boasting an innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure that ensures smooth operation and reduces noise significantly. This makes it the ideal choice for users in shared workspaces or those who prefer a more subdued keyboard action without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their unique features to cater to different user needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches present an interesting study in contrasts, particularly when examining their top housing compositions. The Botany switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic characteristics. This design results in enhanced sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing that emphasizes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The increased stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a crisper and clearer sound profile, making it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. This key distinction in top housing materials ultimately leads to different auditory experiences when typing, with the Botany providing a more muted sound compared to the vibrant acoustics of the Zero Degree 0°.
While the top housings of the two switches showcase divergent acoustic properties, both switches feature the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This consistency means that both switches will deliver a similar tactile experience and deep sound profile when pressing down. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a fuller and rounder auditory output that is characteristic of many classic switches. Given this shared nylon material, users can expect a measure of uniformity in the bottom-out sound and feel across both switch types, even though the top housings vary significantly in their function and sound profiles.
Ultimately, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is nuanced and multifaceted. The differing compositions of the top housings contribute to distinct sound profiles during key release, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive tactile feedback. Therefore, users looking for a robust sound experience should consider the interplay of these materials in their typing context; the softer nylon of the Botany fosters a cozy, subdued feel, while the polycarbonate of the Zero Degree 0° provides a piercing clarity. This combination means that while each switch has its unique attributes, the nylon bottom housing helps bridge the gap in feel and sound experience, leading to an integrated but distinctive typing experience in each switch model.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch differ significantly in their actuation forces. The Botany has an actuation force of 38 grams, making it a lighter option, which is ideal for users who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Botany's bottom out force is 45 grams, while the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° is unavailable. This lack of information for the Zero Degree makes it difficult to compare their sensations during bottoming out. Despite this, it's clear that the Akko Botany is the lighter switch overall, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offers a firmer keystroke suitable for users who appreciate a heavier touch.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, both switches will provide the same sensation in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect very similar tactile experiences when using either switch, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent keypress distance. Since their travel distances are the same, the performance in terms of key actuation will feel virtually indistinguishable between the two.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 sound that is noticeable and expressive, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an auditory feedback while typing. Its vibrancy can energize the typing experience, creating a charming atmosphere that can be satisfying for users who appreciate sound as part of their mechanical keyboard journey. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed for silent typing, featuring an innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure that effectively dampens sound. As a result, it excels in environments where noise reduction is paramount, offering a more subdued sound profile that minimizes distractions while maintaining the essential tactile experience that typists seek.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch is characterized by its lively engagement under the fingers, likely offering a responsive and invigorating typing experience. This energetic feel is perfect for those who enjoy a slightly bouncier switch that can make typing feel more dynamic. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch provides a soft, elastic feel that is coupled with exceptional smoothness and stability. The self-padding design absorbs any excess movement, creating an almost gliding sensation while typing. This combination can be particularly appealing for typists looking for a gentle touch that allows for long periods of comfortable use.
Overall, when comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard experience. The Botany's lively sound and engaging feel make it a great option for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, while the Zero Degree 0° emphasizes silence and smoothness—perfect for quiet workspaces or more focused environments. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you will find that each switch brings its unique qualities to the typing experience, ensuring that whether you prefer lively clacks or silent glides, there is a suitable option available for your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately depends on your personal priorities for your typing experience. If you prefer a switch that offers a lively and dynamic sound profile, the Botany's crisp, clacky sound might appeal to you, making it an excellent choice for gaming or typing in an environment where audible feedback is enjoyable. The lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams also means you may find the Botany easier and less fatiguing to actuate during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you value silence and smoothness above all else, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is designed for you. Its innovative self-padding and dual-rail construction provide a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound, making it perfect for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces where noise reduction is critical. In summary, your ultimate choice should reflect whether you prioritize an engaging sound and feel with the Botany switches or the smooth, silent performance of the Zero Degree 0° linear switches.
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