KTT Ash Gray vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko Penguin both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is praised for its tactile response that strikes a balance between being substantial yet unobtrusive, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without feeling overwhelming. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed to be silent tactile switches, making them a perfect choice for quiet office environments. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin switches offer a satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, ideal for long typing sessions. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Akko Penguin both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Ash Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and produces a rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound quality.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and the Penguin feature nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite sharing the same material for the bottom housing, the Ash Gray and the Penguin may still offer subtle differences in sound quality due to other factors such as switch design and construction. Overall, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a unique typing experience that emphasizes a deep and full sound profile.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on overall sound quality, the Ash Gray and the Penguin showcase how top and bottom housings can influence the sound profile of a switch. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel upon bottoming out a key. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, each switch is able to offer a diverse sound experience that caters to varying preferences. Whether it be the crisp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Ash Gray or the deep and full sound of nylon in the Penguin, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping sound profiles.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams while the Penguin requires 60 grams. The Ash Gray would be considered medium-light in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the Penguin would be classified as having a medium actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ash Gray switch for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Akko Penguin switch for a stronger push sensation. Overall, while both switches provide a tactile typing experience, the Ash Gray is lighter in force compared to the Akko Penguin.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, the Ash Gray offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Penguin. This means that the Ash Gray may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth to their switches, while the Penguin could appeal to users looking for a quicker, snappier feel. Both switches offer a modern travel distance that is different from the traditional 4.0mm standard, catering to users who appreciate the versatility and customization options available in mechanical keyboards today.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a muted sound, ideal for those looking to minimize noise, especially in office settings. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Ash Gray being more versatile and the Penguin focusing on creating a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. The Akko Penguin switch, on the other hand, is described as polished and mild, providing smooth key travel and a gentle typing feel. Additionally, the Penguin switch is labeled as feathery, indicating a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Ash Gray focusing on ease of use and the Penguin providing a smoother and more refined feel.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Penguin switch offers a muted sound and a polished, feathery feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and keypress feel, users can choose between the versatile and tactile Ash Gray switch or the silent and polished Penguin switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a light touch with a crisp actuation and a moderate sound profile, then the Ash Gray switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience suitable for office environments, along with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, then the Akko Penguin switch could be the better option. Both switches offer their unique features and benefits, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and requirements for your typing experience. Happy typing!
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