Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White 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 White and the Akko Penguin offer unique typing experiences for users with different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch designed for delicate typists who prefer a light touch, offering an actuation force of only 38g for effortless keystrokes. With bright RGB lighting and a satisfying auditory feedback, this switch provides a premium typing feel at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch, perfect for those who value a silent typing experience. Featuring a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin offers a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions in quiet environments. 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
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Akko Penguin, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. However, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Penguin uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Penguin's softer and rounder sound profile from the nylon top housing. This difference in materials highlights how the top housing can significantly impact the sound produced by a switch.
One key distinction between the G Pro 3.0 White and the Akko Penguin is the choice of materials for their top housing. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, while the Penguin's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound. The use of polycarbonate by Gateron emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound, whereas the nylon material used by Akko creates a duller and rounder sound. This showcases how material selection for the top housing can greatly influence the overall sound experience of a switch.
While the bottom housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Akko Penguin are the same, with both switches utilizing nylon, the top housing materials differ significantly. The split in housing materials impacts the sound profile when typing on each switch - the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound when letting go of a key, while the Penguin's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of housing materials in switches illustrates how each component plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience, affecting both sound and feel in unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Penguin. The G Pro 3.0 White requires 38 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a more lightweight option. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch demands 43 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a slightly heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White would be the better choice. However, for users who appreciate a more substantial push feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Penguin switch the shorter option. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keypress feel compared to the shallower travel distance of the Penguin switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Penguin switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prefer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its medium-high pitch sound profile, described as clacky, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This auditory feedback is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as having a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments where noise minimization is essential. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various settings. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, you can achieve similar results in sound for both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, characterized by a light actuation force of 38g, allowing for effortless and comfortable typing. This switch provides a creamy and feathery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches have feathery and subtle qualities, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with slight differences in their tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing environments. While the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a clacky sound and creamy feel, ideal for delicate typists, the Akko Penguin switch offers a muted sound and polished feel, suitable for office settings. Both switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable choices for prolonged typing sessions. Whether you prefer a sharper auditory feedback or a quieter typing experience, both switches offer quality performance at budget-friendly prices.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light actuation force and a clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium actuation force and a muted sound profile, the Akko Penguin switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what fits your typing style and environment best.
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