Bsun Cliff vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Akko Penguin both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Cliff switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an appealing option for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists looking for a dynamic and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switches introduce a more subdued tactile feedback, featuring a rounded bump that ensures a satisfying yet quiet typing experience. This makes the Penguins perfect for office environments where minimizing noise is essential while still delivering comfort during extended typing sessions. Each switch presents its own set of advantages depending on the user's needs—whether you value an audible keystroke or a quieter, more muted interaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Akko Penguin Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Akko Penguin exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which fundamentally influence their sound profiles. The Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and resonance. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sonic quality that provides clarity during typing. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for effective RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Penguin features a nylon top housing that yields a noticeably deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound, contributing to a rounder tonal quality that contrasts sharply with the bright clarity of polycarbonate.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bsun Cliff and Akko Penguin share a commonality; they both utilize nylon, which is celebrated as a classic housing material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches delivers a deep and full sound experience, as the soft nature of the material dampens unwanted noise and produces a more substantial bottom-out feel. This consistency in bottom housing material underscores the importance of nylon for both switches, producing a uniform audio foundation that complements the tonal qualities derived from their differing top materials.

The dissimilarities in top housing between the two switches create a unique interaction when typing. The polycarbonate top of the Cliff sharpens the auditory feedback on key release, while the nylon top of the Penguin ensures a softer sound during the same phase. However, the nylon shared in the bottom housing of both switches will produce a similar impact on the overall sound and feel when the keys are fully pressed down. Therefore, while the Bsun Cliff and Akko Penguin present contrasting sound profiles influenced by their top housing materials, their mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a cohesive depth and fullness in sound, highlighting the interplay of materials in switch design.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we notice distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff's actuation force of 37 grams is lighter than the Penguin's actuation force of 43 grams, making the Cliff more suitable for those who prioritize ease of typing over longer sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cliff is 45 grams, which is also lighter compared to the Penguin's heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Cliff switch offers a more effortless typing experience, the Penguin's stronger actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer touch in their typing experience. Consequently, users looking for a lighter switch for extended use should lean toward the Bsun Cliff, while those who enjoy a heavier feel might prefer the Akko Penguin.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Cliff switch offers a more pronounced press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional and deep feel when typing. In contrast, the Penguin switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who appreciate quicker responsiveness, making it particularly suitable for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Consequently, if you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Bsun Cliff is the better choice, whereas the Akko Penguin may be ideal for those who prefer a quicker, less abrupt experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a crisp audio signature that is more pronounced and thus can be more noticeable during use, making it suitable for environments where some sound is acceptable. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is designed to minimize acoustic output, producing a muted and neutral sound profile that is ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguins efficiently dampen the typical clicking noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for discreet typing without drawing attention.

In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable and satisfying feedback with each keypress, though the specifics of its smoothness and finish remain unspecified. The Akko Penguin, on the other hand, is characterized by its polished quality, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and effective factory lubrication. Additionally, the Penguin features a gentle, milder tactile bump, making it approachable and comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, with an overall feathery lightness that can help mitigate finger fatigue. The subtle resistance further complements the experience, maintaining a soft touch that is convenient in quieter settings.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Akko Penguin switches cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and tactile experience. The Cliff is for those who appreciate a more audible feedback while typing, while the Penguins focus on a quieter, more polished feel suitable for professional environments. However, if you seek a switch that delivers a crisp sound and firm tactile response, you will likely appreciate the Bsun Cliff, whereas for muted typing and a comfortable gentle touch, the Akko Penguin would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your specific typing environment and personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent option. It allows for quick and responsive typing, making it ideal for fast-paced tasks like gaming or programming, where you might appreciate the tactile feedback without a heavier actuation force. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared or office environment where noise is a concern, the Akko Penguin is your best bet. With its muted sound profile and polished feel, it provides a smooth and quieter typing experience, perfect for long hours of work without disturbing those around you. Additionally, its medium actuation force strikes a balance that is comfortable for extended typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue. Ultimately, consider your personal preference and your surrounding environment when choosing between these two switches to enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more