HMX EMO vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The EMO switch is praised for its lively and clacky feel, along with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a bouncy and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switches from Akko are known for their silent tactile feedback, ideal for office environments where noise reduction is essential. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin switches offer a balance between responsiveness and comfort during prolonged typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Akko Penguin differ in their choice of housing materials. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound. While the EMO's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a more classic typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the HMX EMO and Akko Penguin opt for nylon. This classic switch housing material promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. With both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX EMO and Akko Penguin reflects their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the EMO produces a sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Penguin offers a deeper sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing feel. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the EMO or a fuller sound with the Penguin, each switch provides a distinct auditory and tactile typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the EMO switch is lighter overall. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The EMO switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience in terms of force required, with the EMO being lighter and the Penguin being medium in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The EMO has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin, which may provide a slightly more satisfying depth when typing. However, the difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant enough to drastically impact the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can cater to those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky sound, providing an audible and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as producing a muted sound, making it a quieter option ideal for office environments or shared spaces. The Penguin's sound profile is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a feather-light actuation force of 46g. Users can expect a satisfying and effortless feel while typing on this switch. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Its mild tactile bump offers a gentle typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. The Penguin switch also features a subtle resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing strain on the fingers.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, the Penguin switch offers a muted sound and polished feel with a mild tactile bump. It is important to consider your specific preferences and needs when choosing between these switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience. As both switches offer unique characteristics, selecting either option will result in a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that suits different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a light and bouncy typing experience with a clacky feel, the EMO switch with its 46g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value a silent tactile switch that offers a rounded tactile bump and medium weight for a balance of responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin switch would be a suitable option, especially in office environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred sound and feel preferences when typing.
Mentioned in this article
