Kailh Box Jade vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with an interesting decision. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing experience, producing a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps that many users find invigorating. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed to provide a silent tactile typing experience, making them perfect for office settings where noise reduction is essential. With a fairly rounded tactile bump and a quiet profile, the Penguin switches offer a satisfying feedback without the distracting clicky sound. Both switches have their own unique benefits and characteristics, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that they both offer distinct qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, while the Penguin's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound with its softer plastic composition. This contrast highlights how the choice of material can significantly impact the auditory experience of typing on mechanical keyboards.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the Penguin utilize nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile. This similarity in housing material suggests that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches implies a certain level of consistency in their tactile feedback and overall typing sound.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko Penguin, respectively, showcases the diverse effects that housing materials can have on the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the Box Jade offers a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Penguin provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of sound absorption and overall sound dullness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for either a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, fuller sound in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in this aspect. The Box Jade offers a slightly heavier typing experience with a higher actuation force, while the Penguin provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quick response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel to each key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular nowadays, but the slight difference between the two may be noticeable to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Jade and the Penguin will depend on individual preference for travel distance in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards and offering a moderate and versatile sound suitable for various environments. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing sensation with prominent tactility and a snappy, immersive feel. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, providing smooth key travel, gentle resistance, and reduced finger fatigue. Both switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use, catering to individuals looking for a comfortable typing experience without compromising on performance.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade excels in producing crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Penguin stands out for its silent tactile feedback and balanced performance suitable for office environments. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between these switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience tailored to their liking. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for reliability and performance in their typing setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jades are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and medium weight for extended typing sessions, the Penguins would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Consider these factors to ensure you choose the switch that best fits your typing needs and preferences.
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