Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and intended use. The Ink Box Black offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a distinct sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This linear switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a unique tactile sensation and satisfying sound feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches cater to those seeking a quieter typing experience, making them ideal for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches provide a balance between responsiveness and comfort, perfect for extended 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and Akko Penguin switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a high-pitched and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Penguin switch uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Ink Box Black's top housing creates a thin and higher-pitched sound, the Penguin's top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko Penguin switches play a key role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, contributing to its clacky feel. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Akko Penguin switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, they also demonstrate how different materials can lead to distinct typing experiences. Whether it's the sharp and thin sound of the INK blend in the Ink Box Black or the deep and round sound of the nylon in the Penguin, the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Penguin is the lighter option. The Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams, while the Penguin requires 60 grams to bottom out, showing a similar pattern of the Ink Box Black being heavier. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Ink Box Black offering a more substantial push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Akko Penguin, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the Gateron Ink Box Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 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 that are popular in the market today, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. While the difference between 3.6 mm and 3.3 mm may seem minimal, it could be noticeable to those who prefer a more pronounced key press. The Ink Box Black may be more suitable for those who enjoy a slightly deeper key press, while the Penguin might be preferred by those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted and neutral sound, making it a great choice for quiet office environments. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Ink Box Black catering to those who enjoy a sharper and more percussive sound, while the Penguin appeals to individuals looking for a quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko Penguin switches offer a polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and reduced friction. The Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Penguin switch also boasts a polished finish, offering a mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. Both switches prioritize comfort and smooth key travel, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. The subtle differences in feel between the switches cater to individual preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for all.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, the Penguin switch offers a muted and neutral sound with a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches deliver top-notch performance and comfort for your typing needs. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound with minimal resistance or a quieter typing experience with a gentle feel, both switches guarantee a premium mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and noise levels. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a more rounded tactile feedback with a muted and neutral sound profile, and are looking for a switch with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing environment to ensure you get the optimal typing experience.
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