Bsun Cinnamon Pink vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and the Akko Penguin offer two distinct experiences for different preferences. The Cinnamon Pink, a linear switch, is praised for its delicately balanced clacky sound and smooth action, providing a medium-light typing feel that is both engaging and comfortable. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.45 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink and Akko Penguin both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Cinnamon Pink featuring POM top and bottom housings, while the Penguin utilizes nylon for both. The POM housings of the Cinnamon Pink provide a deeper and muted sound profile, creating a pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housings of the Penguin offer a fuller and deeper sound due to the softer nature of the material, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile. Despite the different materials used, both switches aim to enhance the overall sound experience for the user.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Cinnamon Pink differ in material, the Akko Penguin maintains consistency with nylon used for both components. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in the Cinnamon Pink allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon housings provide a consistent sound profile throughout typing, with a deeper and fuller tone due to the material's absorption properties. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and Akko Penguin will come down to personal preferences in sound and typing experience. The POM housings of the Cinnamon Pink create a unique and pleasing sound profile, with a deeper and more muted tone that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housings of the Penguin offer a fuller and deeper sound, providing a different typing feel that may be preferred by users looking for a more pronounced sound profile. Ultimately, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, offering users a variety of options to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch show clear differences in weight. The Cinnamon Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 42 grams, while the Penguin has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Cinnamon Pink would be preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Penguin would cater to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push. Both switches offer distinct experiences due to their varying levels of force required, allowing users to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch is 3.45 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Cinnamon Pink being slightly longer than the Penguin. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Cinnamon Pink for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cinnamon Pink for $3.83.
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 Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch offers a distinctively clacky noise that is sharp and snappy, creating a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch produces a more muted sound profile, minimizing noise for quiet environments. The Cinnamon Pink leans towards a louder, more engaging sound, while the Penguin provides a more subtle and neutral auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Cinnamon Pink switch offers a creamy, frictionless typing experience that is smooth and buttery, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The switch feels polished and silky, providing a refined and sleek typing sensation. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch also embodies a polished feel, with a mild and feathery typing experience that requires little exertion. The tactile bump in the Penguin switch is subtle, offering a gentle resistance suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch excels in providing a satisfying tactile and auditory experience with its clacky sound and creamy, polished feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch prioritizes noise minimization and ease of use with its muted sound and gentle, feathery typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cinnamon Pink offering a more engaging and tactile experience, while the Penguin focuses on a quiet, comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize sound feedback or tactile comfort in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Cinnamon Pink if you prefer a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press typing feel. This switch excels in providing a smooth and engaging typing experience with a distinct audible feedback. On the other hand, opt for the Akko Penguin if you prioritize a muted sound profile and a polished, mild, feathery, or subtle typing feel. These switches offer a balance between tactile feedback and quiet operation, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences for both sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.
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