Akko Botany

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Switch Specifications:

Switch Type: Linear
Mount Type: PCB Mount
Travel Distance: 2.0mm Actuation | 3.6mm Total
Force: 38g Operating
Stem Length (mm): 13.77
Price: $13.99 (45 pieces) on Akko


The Akko Botany is a lightly weighted linear switch with a mid-pitched sound profile compared to the Akko Rosewood.


Here’s the video review if you prefer watching content:

DISCLAIMER | Please Read:

These switches were sent by Akko for review and testing purposes. I was NOT PAID in any way to write this review. Impartiality will always be a top priority here at KeebWorks; this one included.

TL;DR

This is essentially the same switch as the Akko Rosewood, but with a clackier sound signature, a slightly higher travel at 3.6mm as opposed to 4mm and a slightly lighter weighting at 38g as opposed to 40g. It’s smoothness and consistency are basically identical.

Smoothness: 8/10

On-centre keypresses are extremely smooth with almost zero scratchiness or inconsistencies.

Off-centre keypresses are very smooth with only minor binding issues on very slow keypresses – not noticeable in normal typing.

Overall, I can’t fault these. They very smooth and very consistent as to be expected from an Akko switch.


Akko Botany switch disassembled
Akko Botany switch disassembled.

Weighting: 4/10

According to Akko, these switches have an actuation force of 38g at 2mm and bottom-out distance of 3.6mm.

In the real world, the key feel matches the specs as far as I can tell. They’re extremely light reminding me of the Gateron Clear which I didn’t like at all – almost the same can be said here.

However, I very much like how consistent these have felt throughout my testing. This is hardly a surprise given they’re from Akko.

Overall, I am not a fan of lightly weighted switches such as these, but they at least have extremely high levels of consistency on their side which greatly help them out.

Sound: 7/10

These are tuned to be a mid-pitched version of the Rosewood switch.

So, are they? Maybe. I can’t really tell as I’ve swapped out my keycaps since that review, so I can’t give a 1-1 comparison. They sound very similar, but perhaps you prefer one over the other. Let me know if you do.

Overall, this isn’t exactly what I expected a “mid-pitched” switch would sound like as it’s on the clacky side of things, but this will most likely sound different on your keyboard.


Akko Botany stem length
The Akko Botany stem length is 13.77 mm.

Typing Performance: 5/10

Its very light weighting made it really hard not to make typos, lots of typos. 38g is a very light actuation point which I’ve never gotten used to over time.

In fact, it’s very easy to accidentally actuate the switches just by leaning your fingers on the keycaps. Personally, I wouldn’t use these switches for any serious work as I had to be more vigilant than usual when using them, and this is usually a sign that a switch isn’t catered to my preferences.

On a positive note, all the switches performed very consistently throughout my testing. I had zero issues with scratchiness or mushiness. The minor binding issues I mentioned earlier doesn’t really apply here either as that can only be felt when pressing the switches a certain way – it cannot be felt during normal typing at all.

Overall, they clearly aren’t for me, but I’d recommend these to those looking for a consistent, lightly weighted linear switch. Additionally, the Akko Rosewood is also an option as they’re almost the same switch.

Gaming Performance: 7/10

Unlike typing, I can get behind these when it comes to gaming!

They performed very smoothly and consistently in both fast and slow-paced games. Sure, I made some mistakes due to its light weighting, but they were somewhat easy to get used to given how their consistent performance.

Overall, I personally still wouldn’t choose these as my go-to switch, but I’m happy to recommend them to many gamers who value a light weighting and consistent performance.

Final Score = 31/50 (62%)

 

Places to purchase this switch:

Akko | Amazon

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