HMX Gravel vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Akko Penguin provide two distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that promotes a responsive and effortless keypress—ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switches introduce a tactile experience designed for silent environments, making them particularly suitable for office use. With their rounded tactile bump, the Penguins offer satisfying feedback while keeping noise levels to a minimum, striking a balance that allows for fatigue-free prolonged typing. While the Gravel excels in providing an unobtrusive, seamless experience, the Penguin focuses on delivering comfort and stealth. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Akko Penguin, a notable distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its increased stiffness. This contrasts with the Akko Penguin, which employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tonal quality. Consequently, users of the Gravel may appreciate the brightness and clarity in audio feedback during typing, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, whereas those who favor the Penguin may prefer the warmer and more subdued acoustic experience.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housing for both the Gravel and the Penguin is made of nylon. Both switches benefit from the characteristics that nylon brings to the table, as it is a classic material recognized for its sound-dampening qualities. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the bottom-out feel when bottoming out the keys. This shared nylon material allows both switches to provide a consistent and pleasing auditory feedback, with the deeper tones resonating through the key presses of each model.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housing of the Gravel and Penguin create unique tactile and acoustic experiences when typing. While the Gravel offers sharper sounds with its polycarbonate, the Penguin provides a warmer, fuller experience thanks to nylon. However, the commonality in the bottom housing ensures consistent deeper tones across both, which further emphasizes the layered complexity of the auditory feedback presented by each switch. This means that regardless of the material choice at the top, both switches remain able to achieve satisfying results in terms of the overall typing experience, combining the strengths of their respective materials to create a nuanced performance.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we notice some key differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Penguin's slightly lighter 43 grams, making the Penguin marginally easier to press down initially. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Gravel's 50 grams is significantly lower than the Penguin's 60 grams, indicating that the Penguin switch provides a heftier feel when fully depressed. This difference in bottoming out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Gravel's lighter forces can be more forgiving for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter touch overall, the HMX Gravel may be the better option, whereas the Akko Penguin caters to those who enjoy a heavier switch, particularly at bottom out.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch exhibit a slight difference in their travel distances, with the Gravel measuring 3.5 mm and the Penguin at 3.3 mm. This makes the Gravel the longer switch by 0.2 mm, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced key press that can provide a sense of depth and tactile feedback. Conversely, the Penguin's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or individuals seeking responsiveness in their keystrokes, allowing for quicker actuation. While both switches are below the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the Gravel’s greater depth provides a more deliberate feel, whereas the Penguin, with its more compact design, may feel more abrupt to some users. Overall, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding the balance between response time and key press depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Gravel switch is often characterized by its inherent quietness, conducive to a discreet typing experience, although specific sound descriptors were not detailed. On the other hand, the Penguin switch is designed as a muted and neutral option, which significantly minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Penguin particularly suitable for shared environments, as it produces a softer and more subdued auditory signature compared to many traditional switches. Both switches, however, are influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's build quality and choice of keycaps, which can further modify their sound characteristics.

In terms of feel, the Gravel switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and a refined typing sensation. The medium-light actuation force ensures that each key press is both responsive and effortless, offering a seamless experience that promotes extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Penguin switch has a polished and mild tactile feel, providing a rounded bump that delivers noticeable feedback without overwhelming the user. This combination of smooth operation and tactile engagement makes the Penguin remarkably approachable for users who appreciate feedback but prefer a quieter experience. While both switches maintain a lightweight feel, their experiences differ: the Gravel focuses on smoothness, while the Penguin balances refinement and tactility.

In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch cater to different preferences and environments. The Gravel excels in delivering smooth, linear key presses ideal for those seeking effortless typing, while the Penguin provides a thoughtful blend of tactile feedback and muted sound, making it a solid choice for quieter settings. Overall, if you prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, the Gravel is your go-to, whereas if you prefer tactile feedback with minimal noise, the Penguin will serve you well. Each switch offers unique benefits, allowing users to find a typing experience that matches their personal style and environment efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth, light feel with minimal resistance and are looking for a switch that allows for responsive typing without much effort, the Gravel is your ideal choice. It's especially suited for those who enjoy fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where ease of use is essential. On the other hand, if you work in a shared space or an office setting where quiet operation is vital, the Akko Penguin switch is the better option. Its muted tactile feedback, combined with the satisfying, rounded bump, ensures a pleasant typing experience while keeping noise to a minimum. Furthermore, if you prefer to feel some tactile feedback while typing but still want a switch that won’t cause finger fatigue over long hours, the Penguin balances both responsiveness and comfort beautifully. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your personal typing style but also the environment in which you typically use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more