Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options in the tactile switch category. The Box Royal stands out for its sharp and aggressive tactility, making it a top choice for those seeking a pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a more subdued and polished tactile bump, catering to users who prioritize a quieter typing experience, particularly in office settings. While the Box Royal leans towards a higher-pitched sound profile, the Penguin provides a more muted and feathery typing sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Penguin both feature top and bottom housings made of nylon, making them similar in their material composition. This means that typing on either switch will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with different housing materials.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Penguin are the same, the design and construction of the switches may vary. The difference in the top and bottom housings of a switch can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on it. The bottom housing, in particular, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. These nuances in design can lead to subtle differences in typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko Penguin contributes to a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon plastic allows for a deeper and fuller sound quality that may be preferred by users looking for a more satisfying typing experience. Whether choosing the Box Royal or the Penguin, users can expect a consistent level of sound and feel thanks to the shared material composition of the switches' housings.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal and Akko Penguin tactile switches, we can see that the Box Royal is slightly heavier in both categories. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium category. This means that the Box Royal will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Penguin. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Penguin for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier forces of the Box Royal for a more pronounced push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Box Royal offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, while the Penguin's shorter travel distance may feel more responsive and quick. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the keypress.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal offers a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each press. This can be ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin provides a muted and neutral sound, making it a great option for office environments where minimizing noise is crucial. The Penguin's sound profile is softer and quieter, catering to a broader range of users who may prefer a more understated typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. This sharpness in feel can be satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the Akko Penguin offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. The polished finish of the Penguin switch results in a smooth and refined typing feel, while the mild and feathery characteristics contribute to a light and approachable typing experience suitable for prolonged use without causing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Akko Penguin switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities catering to different preferences. The Box Royal provides a more aggressive tactility with a high-pitched sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin delivers a quieter and more neutral sound with a polished and mild typing feel, making it a versatile option for various typing environments. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a sharper tactile feel and crisper sound (Box Royal), or a quieter, more refined typing experience (Akko Penguin).
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a strong and sharp tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switch might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet typing experience with a moderate tactile bump and medium actuation force, the Akko Penguin switch is an excellent choice, especially for office environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be aggressive tactility or silent operation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose accordingly based on your individual needs.
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