Huano Elf vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Akko Penguin present two distinct options that cater to varying preferences and environments. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature while offering a medium-light feel, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, categorized as a tactile switch, provides a rounded tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback with each press while prioritizing noise minimization; this makes it particularly well-suited for office settings where a quieter typing experience is paramount. Both switches exhibit medium weight, ensuring a balance between responsiveness and comfort during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the seamless touch of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a more pronounced switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Akko Penguin differ notably in their top housing composition, with the Elf utilizing a polyketone (POK) material while the Penguin relies on nylon. The POK top housing offers a unique combination of smoothness and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04, which is advantageous for ensuring a fluid keystroke experience. Furthermore, its superior wear and shock resistance—14 times stronger than POM—positions it as an exceptionally robust choice. In contrast, the nylon used in the Penguin's top housing is recognized for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. While the Elf's POK promotes a smooth, clacky keystroke, the Penguin's nylon tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience.

When comparing the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon, resulting in a similar characteristic sound profile. In this regard, the composition of their bottom housings helps create a consistency in acoustic feedback, as nylon's softer properties reduce harsher sounds, contributing to a duller and rounder tonal quality. Since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a comparable sensory experience in terms of sound regardless of the differences between the top housings. This alignment of material properties means that any differences in performance will primarily stem from the conflicting characteristics of the separate top housings, with the smoother POK from the Elf bringing a different tactile response compared to the softer nylon found in the Penguin.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound of typing on these switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound during a keystroke, both switches deliver a similar auditory experience derived from their nylon bottom casing. Conversely, the differing top housings will yield unique sound profiles when releasing keys. The combination of the Elf's durable and smooth POK top with a nylon bottom creates a pronounced contrast to the Penguin's entirely nylon structure, allowing users to appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and feel based on the dominant material characteristics of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we see some noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a potentially better option for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Akko Penguin requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. However, the Huano Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, while the Akko Penguin has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, which suggests a more pronounced feel at the end of the keystroke. Overall, the Elf is the lighter option, catering to those who prefer less effort in their keystrokes, while the Penguin offers a heavier push back and a medium bottom out force for users who enjoy tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Penguin measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that the Huano Elf provides a bit more depth in its keypress, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced feel when typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin's shorter travel distance can offer faster response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers who prioritize quick action. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Akko Penguin would be the better option, while those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Huano Elf. In summary, the Huano Elf is the longer of the two, while the Akko Penguin is the shorter option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature, creating a rich auditory experience that can be quite pleasing to typists who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. This is in contrast to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which is designed specifically to minimize noise, showcasing a muted sound profile. The Penguin’s sound can be categorized as neutral, balancing quiet operation with an adequate auditory response that should work well in both office and home settings. While the Elf may deliver an enjoyable sound, the Penguin excels in sound reduction, making it ideal for environments where distraction needs to be kept at a minimum.

When discussing the feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light typing experience, catering well to users who appreciate a balanced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin features a fairly rounded tactile bump, providing a polished and mild typing experience that feels satisfying without being overbearing. Its medium weight strikes a harmonious balance, making it perfect for extended periods of typing without causing fatigue. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to promote a comfortable typing experience, albeit through different tactile sensations—one focusing on a deep, smooth linear feel and the other on a subtle, rounded tactile response.

In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Akko Penguin switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Elf offers a deeper sound profile paired with a medium-light feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a richer auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Penguin focuses on quiet operation and a polished experience with its subtle tactile feedback. Choosing between them largely depends on your environment and typing style, as both switches can provide a satisfying experience, just through different acoustic and tactile avenues.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth and light typing experience with a unique sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, the Elf will be your go-to choice. Its lightweight feel and enhanced acoustics make it ideal for those who enjoy a more responsive keypress and perhaps even a bit of individuality in their mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, if you operate in a quieter environment, such as an office, or if you prefer the tactile feedback that allows for a more controlled typing experience, the Akko Penguin switch is the better option. Its muted sound and medium weight make it suitable for extended use without causing fatigue, while the rounded tactile bump offers a reassuring sense of engagement with each stroke. Ultimately, be sure to consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard, as well as your personal comfort and typing style, to make the most informed choice between these two excellent switch options.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more