KTT Darling vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the KTT Darling and the Akko Penguin. The KTT Darling is a linear switch that offers a typing experience like no other, with a chewy and substantial sensation that will make you feel like you're sinking your fingers into something truly satisfying. Its pronounced bounciness adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke and delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, giving you a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch designed for a quieter typing experience, making it perfect for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. Featuring a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback and a medium weight for balance between responsiveness and comfort during long typing sessions, the Akko Penguin offers a polished and muted typing experience. Ultimately, when deciding between the two switches, consider your preferences for noise level, typing feel, and overall typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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 KTT Darling and the Akko Penguin offer contrasting sound profiles due to their differences in material composition. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. These differences in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users of each switch.
Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is consistent between the Darling and the Penguin. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound regardless of the switch model. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a similar typing feel and sound when pressing down on either switch, further highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in the KTT Darling and the Akko Penguin means that the qualities of each material are felt differently depending on the action of the key. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out sounds and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the roles of the top and bottom housing materials in these switches, enthusiasts can choose the one that best suits their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch - 45 grams versus 43 grams respectively. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams, while the Penguin needs 60 grams for keypress to bottom out. This makes the Penguin switch slightly heavier overall. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Darling feeling lighter and the Penguin providing a more substantial push feel. Typists who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Darling for extended typing sessions, while those who enjoy a firmer keystroke may opt for the Penguin for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling 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. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Darling offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Penguin. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Darling due to its slightly longer travel distance, while those who enjoy a more abrupt feel when pressing down on a key may find the Penguin more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, perfect for quiet office environments where noise is a concern. The Darling will give you a loud and clacky typing experience, while the Penguin will offer a softer and more subdued sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your preference for sound output.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling switch is described as bouncy, providing a springy and lively feedback sensation that adds a level of excitement to each keystroke. Conversely, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, with reduced friction, gentle resistance, and light actuation force. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, but the Darling emphasizes a more lively and bouncy feel, while the Penguin focuses on a polished and soothing typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the KTT Darling and Akko Penguin switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a louder and more tactile typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Darling switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a softer and quieter typing experience with a polished and gentle feel, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you intend to use them.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a satisfying typing sensation with chewy feedback and a pronounced bounciness, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Darling switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you need a quiet and tactile switch that provides a rounded tactile bump, moderate weight, and a muted sound profile, the Penguin switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and acoustics, ensuring that you select the switch that best meets your needs and enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
