Dareu Holly vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and Akko Penguin are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed for noise minimization in office environments, featuring a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile. Both switches offer medium weight for a balance of responsiveness and ease of use, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions. 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
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Akko Penguin both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This is due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with polycarbonate leaning towards a crisper sound and nylon towards a deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Holly and the Penguin utilize nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced sound profile that combines the qualities of both materials, resulting in a satisfying typing experience for users of both the Holly and Penguin switches.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Holly and the Akko Penguin will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience, especially with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who enjoy a more rounded tone. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, emphasizing a consistent typing experience with a focus on a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Holly has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. The bottom out force for the Holly is unknown, while the Penguin has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Penguin requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke, but a slightly heavier force to fully bottom out compared to the Holly. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the Penguin may be the better choice for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Holly, despite the unknown bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Holly has a longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The 4 mm travel distance of the Holly is more traditional and provides a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by some users who appreciate a hearty depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Penguin offers a shallower feel, which is popular among gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences due to their travel distances, making it important to consider personal preferences before making a choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on whether you prefer a longer or shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinctive typing experience that stands out from the rest. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch produces a muted sound, perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. The Holly switch provides a more pronounced and lively typing sound, while the Penguin switch offers a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, whether in a professional office setting or at home.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly switch's tactile feel is not specified. However, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Penguin switch also provides a mild and gentle typing feel, falling into a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the feathery actuation force of the Penguin switch reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance of the switch ensures a light typing feel without a resonant sound, ideal for shared spaces.
Overall, the Dareu Holly and Akko Penguin tactile switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. The Holly switch excels in providing a lively and distinctive typing sound experience, while the Penguin switch stands out for its quiet and polished typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound or a quieter typing experience, both switches provide a moderate actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience for office environments, the Akko Penguin switch, with its muted sound profile and moderate tactile bump, may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences when it comes to typing on a mechanical keyboard.
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