Bsun Hutt vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Hutt and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that they both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Hutt switch is distinguished by its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, creating a snappy and invigorating typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Penguin switch from Akko is designed for those seeking a quieter typing experience, featuring a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without excessive noise. While the Hutt switch is more accentuated and resonant, the Penguin switch is polished and muted, making it an excellent choice for office environments where noise reduction is essential. Each switch offers a different typing experience that caters to individual preferences; 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and Akko Penguin switches exhibit unique characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Hutt's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Hutt allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
In contrast, both the Hutt and Penguin switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in housing material suggests that the typing experience on both switches may feel similar when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. However, the impact of the top housing material on the sound when releasing a key may differ between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches such as the Bsun Hutt and Akko Penguin plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. While the Hutt's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper and resonant sound, the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a similar sound profile for both switches. Ultimately, the specific qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall feel and auditory feedback of typing on these switches, catering to different preferences and experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The Hutt requires 40 grams to actuate and 49 grams to bottom out, while the Penguin needs 43 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. This makes the Hutt more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Penguin offers a heavier typing feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer different experiences based on actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Hutt being slightly longer than the Penguin. Gamers may prefer the Hutt for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying key press with some depth. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time may opt for the Penguin due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Hutt switch offers a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched and immersive sound profile, while the Akko Penguin switch provides a more muted and neutral typing sound, ideal for quiet office environments. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the final sound produced.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt switch is known for its snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented tactile feedback, providing a lively and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, focusing on smoothness, gentleness, and light key travel. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile feedback but cater to different preferences in terms of keypress feel.
Overall, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing experience. While the Hutt switch leans towards a more resonant and sharp sound with intense tactile feedback, the Penguin switch provides a muted and polished sound with a gentle and feathery typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced typing experience with unique characteristics that suit different preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a distinctive typing experience with a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, along with a resonant and sharp sound profile, the Hutt may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise minimization in office environments and enjoy a rounded tactile bump with a quiet sound profile, combined with a balanced feel that strikes a middle ground between responsiveness and ease of use, the Penguin switch is likely the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features tailored to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your specific needs and preferences for an enjoyable typing experience.
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