TTC Flaming Purple vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique characteristics to consider. The Flaming Purple is known for its resonant and bassy sound profile, making each keystroke engaging and satisfying. With its easy-to-press feel and low-pitched sound, it appeals to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is praised for its silent tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for office settings where noise reduction is crucial. Its rounded tactile bump provides a subtle yet satisfying feedback, balancing responsiveness and comfort for long typing sessions. 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
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Akko Penguin, we see a stark difference in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Penguin employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone. While the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing complements its polycarbonate top with a deeper sound, the Penguin's nylon bottom housing further enhances its already rich sound profile.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Flaming Purple and the Akko Penguin, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharp and resonant sound, while its nylon bottom housing adds depth to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin's nylon top housing creates a fuller and rounder sound profile, complemented by its matching nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer a distinctive typing experience based on the materials used in their housing construction.
While the Flaming Purple and Akko Penguin may differ in their housing materials, they both showcase the importance of top and bottom housing in influencing the overall sound profile of a switch. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience, with each material bringing different qualities to the table. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple or the richness of nylon in the Akko Penguin, both switches demonstrate the impact housing materials can have on the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in weight between the two. The Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, providing a smooth and easy typing experience. In contrast, the Penguin has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a light and effortless keystroke may lean towards the Flaming Purple, while individuals looking for a more pronounced typing sensation may opt for the Akko Penguin. Both switches provide unique experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Penguin switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Flaming Purple switch could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who appreciate a more concise key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted and neutral sound, emphasizing a quieter and more moderate auditory feedback. Depending on the user's preference, the Flaming Purple switch may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced and engaging sound, while the Penguin switch is suited for individuals looking for a subtler and office-friendly typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. In contrast, the Akko Penguin is noted for its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel, providing a gentle and refined key press sensation that is approachable and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, catering to different user preferences in terms of tactile feedback and key actuation.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its resonant sound and feathery feel, appealing to enthusiasts and daily typists seeking a swift and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch prioritizes noise minimization and comfort, making it an excellent choice for office environments and users looking for a quieter and smoother typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the overall keyboarding experience for newcomers and seasoned mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike. Whether opting for the Flaming Purple or the Penguin, users can expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a slightly bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple switch with its 47g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you work in a quiet environment and prefer a tactile switch with a medium 60g bottom out force that offers a satisfying feedback without causing fatigue, the Akko Penguin switch might be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing preferences and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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