HMX Hibiscus vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and the Akko Penguin offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a delightfully clacky sound, making it perfect for those who prioritize a swift and responsive typing experience, especially in gaming or casual typing scenarios. With an ultra-light actuation force, it ensures that each keystroke feels effortless, appealing to users who enjoy a more fluid typing style. In contrast, the Akko Penguin caters to a quieter environment with its silent tactile design, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise reduction is essential. Featuring a rounded tactile bump, the Penguin strikes a balance between feedback and discretion, allowing for comfortable, uninterrupted typing during longer sessions. Both switches have their unique advantages; the Hibiscus excites those seeking a lively and smooth experience, while the Penguin supports those who need a subdued yet engaging tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Akko Penguin are remarkably similar, as both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is notable because nylon is widely recognized as a classic switch housing material that enhances the typing experience. The properties of nylon, being a softer plastic compared to alternatives, contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, users of both the Hibiscus and Penguin are likely to experience a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when typing, creating a satisfying experience that evokes a warm sound signature.
Furthermore, since both the Hibiscus and Penguin employ nylon in their bottom housings as well, the resulting impact on typing dynamics is consistent across both switch types. The bottom housing, primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, shares the same sound absorption qualities inherent in nylon. This leads to a uniform experience when pressing down on the keys, as both switches will produce similar acoustic qualities and tactile feedback upon actuation. Typists can expect a comparable auditory environment while using either switch, ensuring that the delightful sound profile remains intact regardless of which switch they choose.
The uniformity between the Hibiscus and Penguin further means that the typing experience will feel quite familiar to users who transition between the two. Given that both switches utilize nylon material for both their top and bottom housings, the acoustic characteristics shaped by each housing will remain relatively constant. Whether typing on the HMX Hibiscus or the Akko Penguin, users can anticipate a rich, rounded sound and smooth keystrokes, reinforcing why they might opt for one over the other based on other factors like design or additional functionalities, rather than the sound and feel of the switch alone.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch present a noteworthy contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use in both work and gaming. In contrast, the Akko Penguin has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial feel when typing. While the actuation forces are quite close, the significant difference in bottom out forces indicates that the Penguin switch may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Consequently, with both switches offering their unique advantages, users seeking a light and easy typing experience would lean towards the Hibiscus, while those desiring a stronger push and tactile response would be better suited to the Akko Penguin.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we find that the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Penguin measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that the Hibiscus provides a bit more depth in your keystrokes, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel. In contrast, the Penguin’s shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, which is often favored in gaming scenarios. Both switches reflect a trend towards shorter travel distances, but in this case, the Hibiscus offers a more pronounced depth due to its longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the option for those who appreciate a heartier typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, they showcase starkly different profiles. The Hibiscus is renowned for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This makes it an engaging choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, the Penguin switch is designed for a quieter operation, featuring a muted sound profile that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it particularly suitable for office settings or quiet environments. The Hibiscus might appeal to those who relish the acoustics of their keyboard, whereas the Penguin caters to users seeking discretion without sacrificing the mechanical typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus offers an incredibly smooth typing experience that is often ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a seamless key travel. Its ultra-light actuation force ensures that typing requires minimal effort, contributing to a fluid, enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch boasts a polished and mild typing feel, featuring a rounded tactile bump that strikes a balance between feedback and responsiveness. This combination provides users with comfortable key presses, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without the fatigue some heavier switches might introduce. The Hibiscus leans towards a purely linear feel, while the Penguin provides gentle tactile feedback, appealing to different preferences in typing sensations.
In summary, the HMX Hibiscus and Akko Penguin switches cater to varying preferences in both sound and feel. The Hibiscus excels with its clacky acoustic profile and ultra-smooth action, perfect for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Penguin stands out with its muted sound and balanced tactile feedback, making it ideal for quieter environments and providing a mild, comfortable typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying performance, albeit in distinct contexts, satisfying different needs of users from typists to gamers or professionals.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you’re looking for an exceptionally smooth and lightweight experience, the Hibiscus is the way to go. With a lower actuation force of just 48 grams, you’ll find it easy to type quickly and with minimal fatigue, making it ideal for gaming or rapid typing scenarios. However, if you’re in a shared or office space where noise is a concern, the Akko Penguin’s subdued tactile feedback and medium weight (60 grams) can offer a more balanced experience that minimizes disruption while still providing a satisfying typing feel. The Penguins’ muted sound and polished finish make it a more versatile option for long typing sessions without harsh sounds or excessive finger strain. Ultimately, if you're after that crisp, clacky sound with ultra-light actuation, go for the Hibiscus. But if you prefer a more rounded, quiet experience with comfortable feedback, then the Penguin should be your pick.
Mentioned in this article
