TTC Honey vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the smooth and creamy TTC Honey linear switch and the tactile and silent Akko Penguin switch. The Honey switch is known for its smooth feel and deep sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who value a subdued and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch by Akko offers a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each press, ideal for those looking for a more muted and feathery typing experience, especially in office settings where noise minimization is crucial. While the Honey switch excels in its creamy feel, the Penguin switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Honey Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Akko Penguin, it is clear that the former utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, while the latter opts for nylon in both components. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, users can expect a more vibrant and crisp typing experience with the Honey's polycarbonate housing compared to the Penguin's nylon housing.

However, if we take into account the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it can be noted that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In this case, the stiffer polycarbonate of the Honey would provide a more impactful bottom-out experience compared to the softer nylon of the Penguin. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, which means that the sharper and clearer sound of the Honey's polycarbonate housing would be more pronounced when compared to the duller and rounder sound of the Penguin's nylon housing.

Overall, while both the TTC Honey and the Akko Penguin offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile differentiation between the two switches. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Honey create a sharper, more resonant sound profile, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the Penguin produce a deeper, fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.

Weight

The TTC Honey linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the TTC Honey requires 50 grams while the Akko Penguin needs 60 grams, making the Akko Penguin the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Honey switch to be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin for its heavier feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, with the Honey being on the lighter side and the Penguin on the heavier side.

Travel distance

The TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have similar travel distances, with the Honey measuring at 3.8mm and the Penguin at 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Penguin's slightly shorter travel distance may provide slightly quicker feedback compared to the Honey. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Penguin, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may favor the Honey. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that caters to users looking for a more compact and efficient typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer different experiences. The Honey's sound is described as subdued, providing a dampened and subtle sound profile that is not completely silent but offers a more muted tone compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Penguin switch is characterized as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound to minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches aim to provide a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for shared spaces or office environments where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also influence the final sound output, making it crucial to consider these factors when deciding between the two switches.

In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Honey switch is known for its creamy and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The polished finish of the switch contributes to reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the Penguin switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the mild and feathery characteristics of the Penguin switch provide a gentle and approachable typing experience suitable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but their specific qualities cater to different preferences in terms of key feel and response.

In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch each offer unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Honey switch provides a subdued sound profile and a creamy, frictionless typing experience, while the Penguin switch delivers muted sound and a polished, mild feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and key feel, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between comfort and performance, ensuring that you get a satisfying typing experience whether you opt for the smoothness of the Honey or the refinement of the Penguin.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Honey linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is important to factor in your preference for key weight, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback, and a quieter, muted sound profile, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be a great option, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more