Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Akko Penguin are striking, yet both offer compelling advantages for particular typing preferences. The Glory Yellow, known for its smooth keystroke and slightly heavier actuation force, provides an engaging typing experience characterized by a pleasing travel distance that many gamers and typists appreciate for its fluidity. In contrast, the Akko Penguin caters to those who favor a tactile switch experience, featuring a rounded tactile bump that delivers satisfying feedback with each key press while maintaining a silent profile perfect for quieter environments like offices. This subtle tactile sensation, combined with its medium weight, ensures that typists can enjoy extended writing sessions without discomfort. Ultimately, if you're looking for speed and fluidity, the Glory Yellow might be your ideal pick, while the Akko Penguin is an excellent choice for those prioritizing a tactile feel in a quieter setting. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Akko Penguin switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, making them very similar in terms of material composition. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a key characteristic of both switches. This is primarily due to nylon's relatively softer and more absorbent nature compared to harder plastics, allowing it to dampen sound and produce a rounder tone. Users can expect a consistent auditory experience with both switches, as they share identical housing materials that enhance sound characteristics, thereby catering to those who appreciate a deeper acoustic response during typing sessions.
Though the top and bottom housings of both switches are composed of nylon, the interplay between the different parts affects the overall tactile feedback and sound signature when the switches are activated. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in how a switch feels and sounds when bottomed out, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Since both the Glory Yellow and Penguin are built from the same nylon materials, their typing experience remains consistent across the board. This suggests that while there might be variations in switch design or feel, the fundamental characteristics derived from the nylon construction will yield a similar user experience in terms of both sound and feel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Akko Penguin switches are differentiated by their overall design and potential tuning, the shared use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that users will likely enjoy a comparable auditory experience. The soft nature of the nylon allows for a more absorbed sound, indicative of both switches. Consequently, whether one chooses the Glory Yellow or the Penguin, the inherent qualities of nylon as a switch housing material guarantee a deeper sound profile that caters to users who value a rich auditory feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Penguin requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Glory Yellow is heavier, making it potentially less comfortable for those engaging in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Penguin offers a lighter touch that may facilitate longer use without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron Glory Yellow's figure remains unknown, while the Akko Penguin has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which suggests a firmer feel when fully pressed down. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter and potentially faster typing experience, the Akko Penguin would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Glory Yellow might appeal to those who cherish a heavier, more substantial keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Glory Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Penguin features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow switch offers a more traditional, deeper feel, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker, more responsive keystrokes, which can enhance performance in fast-paced environments. Ultimately, if you prioritize a deeper, more tactile experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the better choice; however, if you opt for a quicker response, the Akko Penguin is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 Glory Yellow switches are relatively neutral, providing a moderate sound profile that strikes a balance between auditory feedback and discreetness. This makes them versatile for a wide range of settings, whether at home or in a shared workspace. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed specifically for quiet operation, characterized by a muted sound that minimizes noise compared to more traditional mechanical switches. Their subtle nature makes them particularly well-suited for office environments or shared spaces where silence is paramount. Hence, while both switches maintain a manageable sound level, the Penguins excel in keeping noise to an absolute minimum.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches offer a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, making them ideal for a pleasurable typing experience, especially for those who favor linear switches. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switches present a polished, feathery touch, featuring a gentle tactile bump that enhances feedback without being overly pronounced. Their medium weight and mild resistance provide an approachable typing experience that is easy on the fingers, making them perfect for prolonged use without leading to fatigue. This refined feel contrasts with the solid, linear nature of the Glory Yellow, catering to different typing preferences and environments.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Akko Penguin switches have their unique strengths, catering to different types of users. Glory Yellow offers a well-balanced experience with a smooth and neutral sound, suited for various use cases. Meanwhile, the Akko Penguins shine in quiet settings, providing a tactile yet subdued feedback that minimizes noise while ensuring user comfort during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer a linear switch's fluidity or the tactile feedback of a muted switch, as both can deliver satisfying results in the right context.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a light touch, making it a solid choice for fast typing or gaming, the Glory Yellow might be your best option. This switch is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more agile typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. However, if you're in a shared workspace or an environment where noise control is crucial, the Akko Penguin switch stands out with its muted sound profile and moderately weighted tactile bump. This switch offers a pleasurable typing experience that balances responsiveness with a satisfying tactile feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Consider your typical usage environment, whether it's for gaming, work, or casual typing, to determine which switch aligns better with your style and requirements.
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