Kailh Box Navy vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch. The Box Navy switches are ideal for those who enjoy a robust typing experience with a distinct sound and tactile feel reminiscent of vintage keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Penguin switches from Akko are perfect for office settings where noise reduction is a priority, offering a quiet yet satisfying tactile bump with each key press. While the Box Navy excels in providing a sharp and invigorating typing experience, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it a great choice for prolonged use without causing fatigue. 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
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
The Kailh Box Navy and the Akko Penguin both feature polycarbonate top housing materials, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches results in a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. However, the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Box Navy, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer excellent sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Box Navy and the Penguin feature nylon housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This makes typing on switches with nylon bottom housings a more tactile and satisfying experience for those who prefer a softer feel. While the top housing of a switch influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel of bottoming out a key. Therefore, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon bottom housings ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko Penguin play a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Box Navy emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings to enhance the tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out a key. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Navy is the heavier option. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Those who enjoy typing for longer periods or engaging in extended gaming sessions may find the lighter weight of the Penguin more comfortable. Despite the noticeable difference in weight between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force when using switches with equal weights. Ultimately, the weight of a switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and should be taken into consideration when choosing the right switch for individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Box Navy being slightly longer than the Penguin. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for a quicker response, the Akko Penguin may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more hearty depth when typing or gaming, the Kailh Box Navy with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, so it's recommended to try them out to see which one suits your preferences best.
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 Navy 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 Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and a clean, sharp sound reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, ideal for office environments where noise reduction is important. The Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, creating a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Box Navy switch.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, delivering a strong tactile bump with each keypress. This results in a highly responsive and immersive typing sensation, perfect for those who prefer a heavier actuation force. On the contrary, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, featuring smooth key travel and a gentler tactile feedback. The Penguin switch strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue.
Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a loud and tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter and more subtle tactile switch for office or shared spaces, the Akko Penguin switch would be a better choice. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing environments. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific use case for the keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you work in an office environment where noise reduction is key and you prefer a balanced tactile feel with a medium actuation force, the Akko Penguin tactile switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and environmental considerations. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and workspace requirements.
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