Jerrzi Coral vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Jerrzi Coral, a linear switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch. The Coral offers a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, striking a balance between sophistication and stellar performance. On the other hand, the Penguin switches by Akko are designed for silent tactile feedback, making them perfect for quiet office environments. While the Coral switch provides a silky typing experience, the Penguin offers a rounded tactile bump for a satisfying yet muted feedback. If you value a quiet typing experience, the Penguin may be the way to go, but if you prefer a more nuanced and sophisticated feel, the Coral could be your best bet. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Akko Penguin switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Coral's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that allows for a more resonant sound. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own unique sound qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Coral is more likely to be used for RGB lighting purposes, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Coral and the Penguin use nylon material. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that both switches offer a similar sound experience when it comes to typing on the bottom housing. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a duller and rounder sound, providing a more satisfying typing experience overall.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience. The differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the Coral and the nylon top housing of the Penguin showcase how varying materials can lead to distinct sound profiles. However, both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound when typing. Whether it's the stiffness of polycarbonate or the softness of nylon, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Penguin switch is heavier at 60 grams, whereas the Coral switch does not have a specified bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Coral switch may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Penguin switch may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the Coral. Shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances provide a more satisfying typing experience for some individuals. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is noted for its muted sound profile, which minimizes noise and provides a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments. Both switches aim to reduce the overall noise level, with the Coral having a lower-pitched tone and the Penguin producing a more neutral sound. Ultimately, the sound experience will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Jerrzi Coral switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is characterized as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Penguin switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, along with a feathery light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Coral leans towards smoothness while the Penguin offers a more polished and gentle feel.
Overall, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Coral switch excels in providing a lower-pitched resonance for a bass-heavy tone and a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch focuses on minimizing noise with a muted sound profile and delivering a polished typing feel with reduced friction. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a low-pitched sound and silky feel or a muted sound profile and polished typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a smooth typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile, the Coral switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent tactile feedback with a medium actuation force, the Penguin switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings where noise reduction is crucial. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a distinctive typing feel and resonance (Coral) or a quiet tactile feedback with a balanced weight (Penguin). Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
