Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced wobble for a premium typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight and unique in-switch lighting, it is categorized as smooth, buttery, mild, polished. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed for silent tactile feedback, making them ideal for quiet office settings. Featuring a rounded tactile bump and medium weight for a balance between responsiveness and comfort, they are categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, feathery, subtle. While the Black Lotus offers a smooth and precise typing experience, the Penguin provides quiet tactile feedback suitable for extended 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

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Penguin switches are both made of nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Black Lotus creates a unique and premium feel, while the Penguin's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience due to the characteristics of their nylon top housings.

However, the bottom housings of these switches differ, with the Black Lotus housing made of a Modified PC and UPE Blend material. This material still provides a deep and full sound profile while offering a unique tactile feel. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder and duller sound when typing on the switches. Despite the difference in materials, both bottom housings have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.

Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and Akko Penguin switches share similarities in using nylon for their top housing, which imparts a deep and full sound profile during typing. However, the Black Lotus stands out with its unique Modified PC and UPE Blend bottom housing, offering a premium and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile and feel throughout the keystroke. Whether it's the unique blend of materials in the Black Lotus or the consistent use of nylon in the Penguin, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Penguin is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the Black Lotus is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. While the Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Penguin's lighter touch may be preferable for those who prioritize extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. Despite their differences in force requirements, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, catering to individuals with varying preferences.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Penguin provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the Black Lotus for its longer travel distance, which can provide more feedback and a more deliberate key press. On the other hand, those looking for a faster response time may opt for the Akko Penguin with its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer unique experiences, with the Black Lotus catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel, while the Penguin appeals to those seeking a quicker, more responsive typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for producing a neutral sound profile, which means it strikes a balance between loudness and quietness, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to individual preferences and requirements.

In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is celebrated for its silky and buttery typing experience, characterized by smooth key presses that minimize resistance and enhance overall typing comfort. Additionally, it is described as having a mild and polished feel, which adds to the refined typing sensation. Similarly, the Akko Penguin switch is also noted for its polished and mild feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for a comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, with a feathery and subtle tactile bump, the Penguin switch provides a gentle yet satisfying feedback with each press, minimizing finger strain and fatigue during prolonged typing sessions.

Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus excels in providing a balanced sound profile and a smooth typing experience with a substantial actuation weight, the Penguin stands out for its muted sound and gentle tactile bump, enhancing typing comfort and minimizing noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are designed to deliver a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will receive similar levels of satisfaction regardless of their choice.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with medium-heavy switches and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent tactile switch with a rounded tactile bump and medium weight for prolonged typing sessions in quiet environments, the Akko Penguin could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and benefits, so it's important to choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more