Kailh Box White vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Akko Penguin offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box White is a clicky switch that delivers maximum audio feedback with a crunchy feel and a high-pitched sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch designed for quiet environments, featuring a rounded tactile bump for a satisfying yet silent typing experience. While the Box White is known for its resonant and polished feel, the Penguin stands out for its muted and neutral profile. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them suitable for different scenarios. 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
Yes
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 White and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that the Box White features a polycarbonate top housing while the Penguin boasts a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Penguin. This difference in sound profile is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate versus the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound.
On the flip side, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches affects the overall typing experience. The qualities of the housing material in each part of the switch - whether it be polycarbonate or nylon - impact the sound profile during both key press and key release. While the Box White's polycarbonate top housing creates a more resonant and crisp sound, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar deep and full sound experience when typing with both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Box White has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. This means that the Box White switch requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Penguin switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Akko Penguin may be the better choice as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, users who prefer a slightly firmer typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Box White. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky 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 switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Box White clicky switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more traditional and deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing experience. Both switches will provide satisfactory results, but the Box White will offer a slightly longer travel distance for those looking for a deeper keystroke feel.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched experience, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves due to its crunchy sound profile. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and neutral sound, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is essential. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Box White being more immersive and sharp, while the Penguin offers a softer and quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Kailh Box White and the Akko Penguin are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The Box White offers a polished feel, indicating reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin provides a gentle and approachable typing experience, with characteristics falling within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the feathery and subtle qualities of the Penguin switch make it comfortable for extended typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box White excels in providing a resonant and high-pitched sound with a pronounced tactile bump, the Penguin stands out for its muted and neutral sound, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience, with the Penguin catering to users looking for a gentle and comfortable typing feel. Whether you prefer maximum audio feedback or a silent tactile experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you value maximum audio feedback and enjoy a crunchy, high-pitched sound profile, the Box White switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience for office settings and prefer a rounded tactile bump with a balanced weight for extended typing sessions, the Akko Penguin switch is a solid option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so make your decision based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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