Bsun Pine vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Pine and Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences and environments. The BSUN Pine switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility favored by users who appreciate a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is designed for quiet environments, featuring a rounded tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback without the noise, making it ideal for office settings. While the Pine switch is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Penguin switch is labeled as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches share this feature, the actual experience of typing on them may vary depending on other factors such as keycap material and switch design.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Akko Penguin differ significantly. The Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively and creates a duller sound. This contrast in top housing materials showcases how different plastics can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
While both switches have unique qualities attributed to their housing materials, one commonality between the Bsun Pine and the Akko Penguin is their attention to sound profile. The use of different plastics for the top and bottom housings provides a balanced sound experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the two housings ensures that users can enjoy a dynamic and engaging typing experience with either switch, despite the differences in their housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams while the Penguin only needs 60 grams. This means that the Pine switch is heavier both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Penguin switch. The Pine switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher force requirement, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Penguin switch with its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out force could be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, with the Pine being slightly longer than the Penguin. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Pine switch. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to different preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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.
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
The Pine switch is described as having a sharp and distinct tactile bump, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. This results in a fairly loud sound profile, which may not be ideal for quieter environments. The feel of the Pine switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a prominent amount of tactility and a snappy, reactive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Penguin switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it a suitable choice for office settings where noise reduction is crucial. The feel of the Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and reduced finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences with unique sound and feel characteristics. The Pine switch caters to users who prefer a loud and sharp tactile experience, while the Penguin switch appeals to those seeking a quieter and smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and are suitable for different preferences and environments. If you enjoy sharp tactility and a louder typing experience, the Pine switch is the way to go, whereas if you prioritize noise reduction and a gentler typing feel, the Penguin switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out for a direct and no-nonsense typing experience, the Pine switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you require a quiet switch for office use with a balanced feel between responsiveness and ease of use, the Penguin switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a sharp and distinct feedback (Pine) or a silent and balanced typing experience (Penguin). Choose wisely based on your typing habits and environment to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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