KTT Cream Yellow vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow and Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Cream Yellow switch offers a unique bouncy and clacky typing experience, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it a great choice for office settings where noise reduction is essential. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, perfect for extended typing sessions. Both switches have their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that the Cream Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Penguin opts for nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow is praised for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users who enjoy clear and resonant sounds. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Penguin produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for those looking for a sharper sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing caters to individuals who prefer a deeper and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon, highlighting its classic qualities in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches allows for a consistent typing experience, with its softer composition absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, both switches offer a similar typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the bottom housing may not have as significant an impact on the sound profile as the top housing, its role in enhancing the typing experience should not be overlooked.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Cream Yellow's mix of polycarbonate and nylon in its housing materials creates a unique blend of sharpness and depth, appealing to users who value a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin's consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile throughout, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more rounded sound. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, certain differences and similarities become apparent. The actuation force of the Cream Yellow is 50 grams, while the Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Cream Yellow requiring 58 grams and the Penguin needing 60 grams. This means that while the Cream Yellow provides a slightly heavier actuation force, the Penguin requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches offer a similar typing experience, with the Cream Yellow being slightly heavier and the Penguin being slightly lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Penguin, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch provides a distinctively clacky and percussive sound that is sharp and snappy when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a muted and quieter sound profile, making it suitable for environments where noise minimization is key. The Cream Yellow switch is designed to produce a more resonant audio feedback, while the Penguin switch ensures a more subtle and soft sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy and lively typing sensation with its spring-like feedback and rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch provides a polished and smooth typing experience, thanks to either materials used or factory lubing. Additionally, the Penguin switch offers a mild and comfortable typing feel that is approachable to most users, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. The Cream Yellow switch's bouncy and elastic feedback may be more suitable for those who prefer a more dynamic typing experience, while the Penguin switch's smooth and polished feel may cater to those looking for a refined and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy typing sensation, providing a more dynamic and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch boasts a muted sound profile and polished typing feel, offering a comfortable and quiet typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow switch emphasizing a more lively and percussive sound and feel, while the Penguin switch focuses on a refined and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet tactile switch with a rounded bump for satisfying feedback and a balanced typing experience that minimizes noise, the Akko Penguin switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs.
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