Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Penguin both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green switch is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a more prominent typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch boasts a silent tactile feedback, making it ideal for office environments where noise reduction is essential. The rounded tactile bump of the Penguin switch provides a satisfying yet quiet typing experience, while its medium weight strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Penguin both offer unique housing materials for switches, with the Bamboo Green featuring PBT top and bottom housing while the Penguin uses nylon for both. The PBT housing of the Bamboo Green provides a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull, while the nylon housing of the Penguin elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This means that typing on the Penguin switches may result in a rounder and duller sound compared to the Bamboo Green.
However, despite the differences in housing materials, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Penguin offer switches that provide a unique typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials on the top and bottom of the switches mean that pressing down on the switch will allow you to feel the impact of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when you release a key, providing a well-rounded typing experience regardless of whether you choose the Bamboo Green or the Penguin.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Penguin may have different housing materials, they both offer a distinct sound profile that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer the neutral sound profile of the PBT housing in the Bamboo Green or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Penguin, both switches provide a unique feel that can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, both switches have a similar actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Bamboo Green has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green switch will require a bit more force to fully press down compared to the Penguin switch. Both switches fall under the medium weight category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might find the Everglide Bamboo Green more to their liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Bamboo Green offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer the longer, more substantial feel of the Bamboo Green or the quicker, more responsive touch of the Akko Penguin. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green provides a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, creating a sharp and crisp sound signature that some may find pleasing. In contrast, the Akko Penguin offers a muted and neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience, particularly in shared environments or office settings. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green offers a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished typing experience, providing a tactile bump that is pronounced but not overwhelming, alongside a smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin delivers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel, offering a gentler typing experience with reduced friction and light actuation force, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches strike a balance between tactility and smoothness, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko Penguin switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in providing tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a louder, sharper typing sound with a more distinct tactile bump like the Bamboo Green, or a quieter, smoother typing feel with a lighter actuation force like the Penguin, both switches are designed to enhance your typing performance and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider the specific characteristics that align with your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a clacky sound and sharp tactility, the Bamboo Green switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience without compromising on tactile feedback, the Akko Penguin switch would be a better fit, especially for office environments. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile bump, the Bamboo Green switch would be more suitable. Conversely, if you prefer a muted sound and a rounded tactile bump, the Akko Penguin switch would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing environment.
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