Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. The Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a silent tactile option that is perfect for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort during prolonged 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Penguin, both switches feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the specific design and construction of each switch may still impact the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Blue Lotus and Penguin switches differ in material. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel to the switch. In contrast, the Akko Penguin boasts a nylon top housing, similarly providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as found in the bottom housing. The choice of materials for the top housing can influence the sound produced when releasing a key, as well as the overall tactile sensation when typing on the switch.
While both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko Penguin switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, the differing top housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing may offer a more unique and premium feel compared to the Penguin's nylon top housing. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective top and bottom housing materials contributing to the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams while the Penguin requires 60 grams. This makes the Blue Lotus a bit heavier both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Penguin. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference - if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Akko Penguin would be the better choice. But if you enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Durock Blue Lotus may be the preferred option. Both switches offer a medium actuation and bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feedback and experience. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose comes down to individual preference regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth compared to the Penguin. However, the 0.4 mm difference may not be significant to everyone, and both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for the amount of travel distance desired in a tactile switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its bassy tone, providing a deep and rich sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a muted sound, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The neutral sound profile of the Penguin switch makes it versatile for various settings, be it at home or in an office. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accentuated tactile feedback, snappy responsiveness, and a stepped tactile experience. This combination offers a tactile bump that is noticeable without being overpowering. Contrastingly, the Akko Penguin switch provides a polished and mild tactile sensation, along with a feathery lightness that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance of the Penguin switch ensures a gentle typing feel suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a tactile experience with a heightened level of responsiveness and distinct tactile feedback, along with a bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience with gentle tactility and a muted sound. Depending on your preference for sound, tactile feedback, and typing feel, both switches cater to different preferences and environments. Whether you opt for the Blue Lotus for its pronounced tactile feel and snappy response or the Penguin for its quiet operation and gentle typing experience, you can expect satisfying results from both switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, snappy responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience for office settings, a medium bottom out force, and a rounded tactile bump, the Penguin could be the ideal switch for your needs. Consider the sound, feel, and features of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience and meet your specific requirements.
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