HMX Cheese vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The HMX Cheese switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are renowned for their silent tactile feedback, making them perfect for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort during extended typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko Penguin are quite similar as they both use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deep and full sound profile, with the softer nylon plastic absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches indicates that they will likely have a similar typing experience, with a focus on providing a satisfying sound profile for users.
While the housing materials are the same for both the Cheese and Penguin switches, the key difference may lie in the overall design and construction of the switches. The way the top and bottom housings are molded and put together can impact the overall feel and sound of the switch when typing. This means that even though they share the same housing material, the switches may still have subtle differences in terms of how they sound and feel during use.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Cheese and the Akko Penguin switches, the way in which these materials are implemented can lead to unique typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housings means that each part will have a different impact on the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. Users may find that one switch provides a slightly deeper or softer sound when bottoming out keys, while the other may have a more pronounced sound when releasing keys. These subtle differences can influence the overall typing experience and preference for users.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the HMX Cheese requires 46 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Akko Penguin's 60 grams, which provides a more substantial typing feel. The Cheese switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Penguin switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. If you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper feel, the Cheese may be the better option, while the Penguin could be the choice for those who prefer a slightly shallower feel. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as producing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter, making it a great option for office environments where noise reduction is essential. The sound produced by both switches will differ considerably, with the Cheese being more pronounced and the Penguin being more subdued, catering to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. Its light actuation force provides a feather-light touch, reducing finger fatigue and offering a comfortable typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel ideal for extended typing sessions without causing strain. The Cheese switch offers a more light and smooth typing experience, while the Penguin switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, appealing to users looking for a tactile feedback.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that these switches cater to different preferences and typing needs. The Cheese switch offers a more pronounced and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Penguin switch provides a quieter and more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance the typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and customized typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, the Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a medium bottom out force, a quieter typing experience, and a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Penguin switch would be a better choice, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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