Huano Acacia vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two prominent examples are the Huano Acacia and the Akko Penguin switches. The Huano Acacia is a linear switch that excels with its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable keystroke right out of the box. This makes it an ideal option for gamers and typists alike who favor uninterrupted key presses without tactile distractions. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin introduces a muted, tactile experience, perfect for office settings where noise reduction is essential. With its rounded bump and medium weight, it balances responsive feedback with a quiet profile, offering comfort during long typing sessions without sacrificing satisfaction. While the Acacia caters to those who prefer a linear, fluid feel, the Penguin is tailored for individuals seeking quiet yet tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and the Akko Penguin incorporate different materials in their top housings that uniquely influence the sound and overall typing experience. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the acoustic clarity of the switch but also elevates the visual experience when utilizing RGB lighting, as the light shines through the clear material. In contrast, the Penguin’s top housing is constructed from nylon, a material that is softer and more absorptive. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile typical of nylon switches, which tends to create a rounder, more muted sound compared to the Acacia. Thus, while both switches aim to provide quality typing experiences, each uses a different approach rooted in the distinct characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and Akko Penguin converge on using nylon. This commonality leads to a similar acoustic foundation in these switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both the Acacia and Penguin will have a similar impact on the typing experience with respect to the bottom-out sound and feel, as the softer nylon material provides a cohesive tactile feedback. This shared characteristic means that, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, users may expect a consistent bottoming-out experience across both switches.

In summary, the primary contrast between the Huano Acacia and Akko Penguin lies in their top housing materials, with the Acacia utilizing polycarbonate for a crisper sound and the Penguin opting for nylon, which delivers a warmer and deeper auditory profile. However, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings creates a connection between the two, allowing them to share the auditory dampening benefits inherent to softer materials. Therefore, while the Acacia and Penguin may target different sound profiles with their unique top housings, their nylon bottoms harmonize to ensure a pleasing tactile experience at the bottom of the keystroke. This thoughtful combination of materials ultimately leads to differentiated yet somewhat comparable outcomes in overall sound and user experience.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we see some nuanced differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Penguin sports a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. Consequently, the Acacia is marginally heavier in terms of the force needed to activate a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy feedback from the switch. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Penguin allows for easier keystrokes, which could benefit users during long typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while both switches offer different experiences—lighter actuation with a heavier bottom out force for the Penguin and a more balanced feel with the Acacia—the key takeaway is that the Acacia may be more suited for those who appreciate a bit more resistance, and the Penguin caters to those seeking a lighter keystroke experience.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Acacia switch offers a bit more depth when pressed down, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch, with its 3.3 mm travel distance, provides a more responsive and quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking fast response times. While both switches are relatively short compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the Acacia's slightly longer travel may appeal to those who prefer a more sturdy keystroke experience. Overall, if responsiveness is your priority, the Penguin is the better choice; if you're looking for greater depth in your key presses, the Acacia would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia switch offers a relatively neutral profile, allowing it to blend well into both casual and professional environments. Although its specific auditory qualities were not detailed, it’s safe to say that its sound won't be overly clacky or disruptive, especially considering the medium-light weight and generous lubrication that help mute any potential noise. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch excels in sound dampening, being designed specifically as a silent tactile switch. Its muted characteristics and softer output make it particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces where noise minimization is a priority. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Penguin is a distinct choice, while the Acacia may suit those who appreciate a slightly more balanced sound signature.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia is celebrated for its smooth typing experience, enhanced by its medium-light weight and factory lubrication. While it boasts minimal stem wobble, the specific tactile feedback wasn't provided, implying a possibly straightforward yet satisfying touch. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is characterized by a polished finish, providing a sleek and refined typing feel. Its rounded tactile bump delivers a gentle resistance with each keystroke, which has been noted as mild and approachable for users of varying typing proficiency. The Penguin's feathery lightness ensures that prolonged typing sessions remain comfortable, eliminating much of the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches. The Penguins' subtle tactile feedback is designed to feel gentle and smooth, making it a suitable option for typing in shared spaces, just like the Acacia.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Akko Penguin switches offer excellent options for different preferences. The Acacia provides a neutral sound and a very smooth typing experience, making it versatile for various users and environments, while the Penguin maintains a sound profile that is optimized for quietness, alongside a polished and gentle tactile response. Ultimately, if you are seeking to minimize noise in your workspace while enjoying a tactile feel, the Penguin stands out as the better choice, but if you value a well-rounded experience with a bit more feedback and sound, the Acacia holds its own in terms of quality as well.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, particularly for prolonged sessions, the Acacia is your best bet. With its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, it provides a refined feel and minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for users who may be sensitive to fatigue or who enjoy a seamless keypress. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers tactile feedback without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, the Akko Penguin is the way to go. Its subtle tactile bump, combined with a muted sound profile, makes it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where sound reduction is a priority. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you seek the ease and fluidity of linear switches or the satisfying feedback of tactile ones.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more