Keygeek Briny vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between varying characteristics that cater to their specific needs. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is well-regarded for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which together create a balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth key press without any tactile feedback. Its consistent actuation appeals to gamers and typists looking for quick responses and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, known for its emergence in the market of silent tactile switches, offers a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback while maintaining a notably quiet profile, making it a perfect companion for office spaces where noise reduction is crucial. The medium weight of the Penguin strikes a harmonious balance, allowing for extended typing sessions without the discomfort often associated with heavier switches. Both the Briny and Penguin switches have unique advantages tailored to different user preferences; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Akko Penguin are notably similar, as both models utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings of their switches. This choice of nylon not only reflects a common industry standard but also results in a range of acoustic and tactile characteristics. As nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This shared materiality allows for a comparative evaluation of the two models based on this foundational characteristic, indicating both could produce a more muted and rounded sound experience.

While the materials used in both the Briny and the Penguin are the same, the overall sound and feel can slightly differ due to other factors, such as design and switch mechanism nuances. The impact of the softer nylon is particularly pronounced during the switch actuation process. With both models possessing nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the resulting typing experience will feature a similar bottom-out sound while maintaining a consistent acoustic signature upon releasing keys. This consistency in material means that any variations in sound or feel experienced by users are likely influenced more by the specific design elements or switch types rather than the base materials themselves.

In summary, since both the Keygeek Briny and Akko Penguin employ nylon for their switch housings, users can expect analogous acoustic profiles and typing experiences. The interplay between the nylon top and bottom housings results in a similar energetic response, regardless of slight differences in design specifications. This makes either model a strong contender for those seeking a softer sound and tactile feel, with both delivering a comparable typing experience characterized by their shared choice of a classic switch housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it's evident that they cater to slightly different preferences in typing experience. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is heavier than the Penguin's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that users who prefer a gentler touch may find the Penguin more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Briny. Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that regardless of the actuation force, users will experience a similar resistance when pressing down fully on both switches. In summary, the Briny provides a firmer touch with a heavier actuation force, making it suitable for users who enjoy a stronger push feel, whereas the Penguin's lighter actuation force may favor those looking for more ease during long usage.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we find a notable difference: the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Penguin measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Briny, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, appealing to those who prefer a deeper response. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Penguin can offer a quicker actuation, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who favor fast response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a more pronounced keypress, the Briny is the better option, while the Penguin suits those who appreciate a quicker, more responsive action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Briny offers a balanced sound profile, making it versatile for different environments. In contrast, the Penguin is characterized as a muted switch, producing a softer and quieter sound that significantly minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Penguin's sound can be described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force and sound profile, making it suitable for various users whether at home or in an office layout where noise is a concern. Ultimately, while the Briny provides a balanced auditory experience, the Penguin caters more towards those needing a reduced sound level.

In terms of feel, the Briny is noted for its unique characteristics, which are not explicitly described, leaving an air of mystery about its typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switches offer a polished feel due to their refined materials and possibly factory lubrication, which results in a smoother key travel. The Penguin's mild characteristics present a gentle typing experience that is accessible to both novice and experienced typists. It also features a feathery quality, requiring minimal exertion for each key press and thereby reducing finger fatigue for long typing sessions. Finally, the subtle resistance of the Penguin switch complements its tactile bump, providing a gentle yet satisfying feedback while remaining suitable for shared spaces.

In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Briny and Akko Penguin switches cater to distinct preferences, they present an interesting contrast. The Briny's balanced sound profile makes it versatile, while the Penguin excels in sound minimization and providing a polished, mild feel that is easy to use for extended periods. Each switch has its unique strengths, making them appealing to different user preferences, yet both can yield satisfying typing experiences depending on the context in which they are used.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch will largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a balanced sound profile and are looking for a linear switch that provides a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, then the Briny is an excellent fit, especially for those who enjoy a clean typing feel without tactile feedback. However, if you work in a shared environment or a quiet setting where minimizing noise is critical, the Akko Penguin switch emerges as the superior option. Its muted sound profile and satisfyingly rounded tactile bump make it ideal for typing without disturbing those around you, while still being gentle enough for prolonged usage. In essence, for general usage and a more traditional linear experience, go for the Briny; but if you desire a tactile feel and quieter operation for office use or shared spaces, the Penguin is your best bet.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more