Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Penguin offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, is favored for its smooth typing experience and medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, is known for its silent operation and rounded tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback without noise. With a medium weight, these switches are ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that appeal to different needs and preferences; 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
50g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to the Akko Penguin's nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The use of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Red results in a more resonant sound due to its stiffer nature, while the nylon material of the Penguin absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. In terms of aesthetics, the G Pro 3.0 Red's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for RGB lighting, while the Penguin's opaque nylon housing offers a more traditional look.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when bottoming out a key, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Penguin differ in their top housing material, with the former using polycarbonate and the latter using nylon, they share the same nylon material for the bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feedback, with the G Pro 3.0 Red offering a crisper and sharper sound while the Penguin provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have their own unique aesthetic appeal, with the G Pro 3.0 Red's clear polycarbonate housing being ideal for RGB lighting, and the Akko Penguin's opaque nylon housing offering a more traditional look.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams, making the G Pro 3.0 Red easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's heavier 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with the Penguin. For those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing experience, the Akko Penguin would be more suitable. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces offer users the ability to choose a switch that aligns with their personal preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch's travel distance of 3.3 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Penguin provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time of the shorter travel distance on the Penguin, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being slightly longer and the Akko Penguin being slightly shorter in travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing style and desired keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red 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 Red offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users, whether they are beginners or more experienced typists. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted sound experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as in office settings. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, ensuring a balanced sound profile that is not overly loud or distracting.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience due to lubrication or specific materials used in the switch construction. This results in effortless keystrokes and a silky sensation when typing. Alternatively, the Akko Penguin switch is polished, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches also fall into the category of mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users without any extreme characteristics.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the Akko Penguin offers a muted sound and a polished feel. Both switches strike a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard experience, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a smooth typing experience with medium-light actuation force and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback and a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a linear switch with a light feel and neutral sound, like the G Pro 3.0 Red, or a tactile switch with a polished feel and muted sound, like the Akko Penguin. Choose wisely based on your typing preferences and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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