Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Akko Penguin offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out as a linear switch, renowned for its premium quality and budget-friendly price point. With a heavier actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a substantive typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise reduction is essential. Its rounded tactile bump offers satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different users, but to truly determine the best fit for your needs, a deeper dive into their specific attributes is necessary.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, creating a satisfying "clacky" typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing produces a unique and muted sound, the Penguin's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black and Akko Penguin differ in their sound characteristics due to their housing materials.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Akko Penguin share similarities in their use of renowned materials. The G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and muted sound, while the Penguin's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound profile. The top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black and Penguin also play a significant role in determining the sound profile when typing or releasing a key. Overall, these similarities in housing materials result in comparable typing experiences for users of both switches, with slight variations in sound characteristics.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Akko Penguin ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing delivers a more high-pitched and clacky typing experience, while its POM bottom housing creates a unique and muted sound. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin's nylon housing materials provide a deeper and fuller sound profile for a more rounded typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, making them versatile options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier option. The G Pro 3.0 Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with options based on their individual typing style and comfort level. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option when it comes to keystroke depth. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Penguin switch a suitable choice for those looking for a quicker response time, especially favored by gamers. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch with its longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer different experiences based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is often described as producing a clacky sound, sharp, and snappy when pressed, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, quieter compared to regular switches, ideal for environments where noise minimization is key. Both switches provide different sound experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being more pronounced and the Penguin offering a softer and quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is often described as offering a creamy and silky typing experience, providing smooth and buttery key presses with a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as providing a polished and mild typing experience, delivering a gentle tactile bump with a medium weight actuation force. Both switches offer a different tactile feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being more robust and smooth, while the Penguin offers a refined and approachable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a clacky sound and a creamy, silky typing experience with a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out for its muted sound profile and polished, mild tactile feel, making it suitable for quieter environments and delivering a refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, your choice should be guided by your preference for typing experience. If you value a heavier typing feel with a balanced medium-heavy actuation force, along with a clacky sound and a creamy, silky typing sensation, then the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the ideal switch for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a fairly rounded tactile bump, moderate actuation force, and a silent, polished feel, the Akko Penguin switch might better suit your needs, especially in office environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences to enhance your typing enjoyment.
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