TTC Gold Pink vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and Akko Penguin offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Gold Pink is a linear switch with a 37g actuation force, perfect for those who prioritize speed and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch, ideal for those seeking a balance between feedback and quietness, making it suitable for office environments. While the Gold Pink provides a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, the Penguin offers a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback without the noise. 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
37g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Akko Penguin differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its relatively stiff nature. This makes the sound profile of the Gold Pink crisper and more resonant. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Pink and the Penguin utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of these switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. By incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, both switches achieve a consistent sound experience that complements the qualities of the top housing. This similarity in housing material ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout the keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Gold Pink and the Akko Penguin reflects their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a consistent sound experience that is duller and rounder due to the material's sound-absorbing properties. Whether you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both the Gold Pink and the Penguin offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which requires 43 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Pink requires 45 grams while the Penguin needs 60 grams, making the Penguin the heavier option for bottoming out. This means that the Gold Pink switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Penguin's 3.3 mm. The Gold Pink falls on the more traditional side of travel distances, while the Penguin is slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might lean towards the Penguin due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press might prefer the Gold Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Gold Pink switch offers a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound, making it ideal for quieter environments like offices. The sound produced by both switches is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switch offers a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These descriptors suggest a smooth, gentle, light, and refined typing sensation, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing feel for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink switch provides a clacky sound and a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, catering to those looking for a light and lively typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch produces a muted sound and a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, making it a suitable option for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing feel. Regardless of the differences, both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Pink linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and use case. If you value a light and lively typing experience with fast and effortless keystrokes, the Gold Pink switches with their 45g bottom out force and clacky sound may be the ideal choice for you, especially for gaming or rapid typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise minimization and seek a balanced tactile feedback with medium weight, the Akko Penguin switches with their 60g bottom out force and silent tactile bump may better suit your needs, especially in office environments or for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you plan to use them. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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