Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to your specific preferences and needs. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smooth and pronounced tactile bump, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches cater to those looking for a quieter option, making them suitable for office environments. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguins strike a good balance between responsiveness and comfort for extended 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
58g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches utilize the same nylon material for their top and bottom housings, meaning users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin may differ is in how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. Depending on the specific design and construction of each switch, users may notice subtle variations in sound and feel between the Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin, despite both using nylon for their housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin share the use of nylon as their housing material, the subtle differences in the design and construction of their top and bottom housings may result in slightly different typing experiences for users. The overall sound profile and feel of typing on these switches will be influenced by the qualities of the nylon material, but the specific nuances of how these qualities manifest in each switch may vary. Users looking for a specific typing experience may want to consider these differences when choosing between the Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Akko Penguin switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch will require more force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile switch also has a higher force of 68 grams compared to the Penguin switch's 60 grams. Therefore, the Ice King Tactile switch is both heavier in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Akko Penguin switch. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the quicker response time that comes with a shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ice King Tactile to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed, which is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience to minimize noise in office environments. The neutral sound profile of the Penguin switch makes it suitable for various scenarios, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or using it at home or work. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a more discreet sound profile to suit different preferences and settings.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is described as silky and frictionless, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a symphony of touch. It provides a refined finish that enhances typing comfort and minimizes resistance while pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch also boasts a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction for a sleek typing experience. The mild and feathery characteristics of the Penguin switch make it comfortable for long typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue and providing a gentle typing feel. Both switches prioritize providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience, albeit with slightly different tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Ice King Tactile and the Akko Penguin tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences and environments. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a satisfyingly tactile typing experience with a subdued sound, while the Akko Penguin prioritizes a muted sound for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches feature polished finishes for smooth key travel, although the Ice King Tactile focuses more on a symphony of touch, while the Akko Penguin offers a mild and comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a quieter typing experience, both switches promise a satisfying and effortless typing experience, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between Durock Ice King Tactile and Akko Penguin tactile switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a luxurious tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and medium-heavy actuation force, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a silent and balanced typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Akko Penguin switches are a great choice, especially for office settings where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing style and needs.
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