Gateron Ink Red vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and Akko Penguin offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. With a smooth and satisfying feel, coupled with a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Reds provide an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out as a tactile switch, offering a silent typing experience perfect for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. Featuring a rounded tactile bump for feedback and medium weight for a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Penguin switches are great for prolonged typing sessions. While both switches have their unique qualities and are categorized differently in terms of feel, sound, and response, it is important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the Akko Penguin uses a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both housing materials contribute to the switch's overall sound profile, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red leans towards a sharper and thinner sound, while the nylon top housing of the Penguin offers a rounder and duller sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Red consists of the proprietary INK blend, which contributes to the switch's thin and higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin utilizes a nylon bottom housing that enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing of a switch often has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the INK blend of the Ink Red providing a distinctive clacky sensation, while the nylon material of the Penguin offers a more cushioned bottom-out experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a mechanical switch can significantly influence the sound and feel of typing. Both the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko Penguin showcase unique properties of their respective housing materials, with the INK blend providing a sharper, clacky sound in the Ink Red, and the nylon contributing to a deeper and fuller sound in the Penguin. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ in these switches, the qualities of each material ultimately play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see that there are some similarities and differences between the two. The actuation force of the Ink Red is slightly higher at 45 grams, compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the initial force required to trigger a keystroke may be slightly lighter on the Penguin, both switches will bottom out with the same amount of pressure. This makes them both suitable for users who prefer a medium weight key press. Overall, the Ink Red may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, while the Penguin may be better suited for those looking for a lighter initial key press. Regardless, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Penguin switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red switch. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, even a fraction of a millimeter can impact the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Penguin switch with its shorter travel distance, while users who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Ink Red switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches provide smooth and reliable performance, so users can expect similar results in terms of durability and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a chirpy and clacky sound profile, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted sound, making it perfect for quieter environments like offices. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches, making them versatile for various typing scenarios. When considering sound, keep in mind that other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps can also affect the overall acoustics.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The Akko Penguin switch also boasts a polished feel, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Penguin switch provides a feathery and subtle typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Both switches are categorized as mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron Ink Red switch excels in providing a chirpy and clacky sound profile along with a silky and polished feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother typing experience with a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a muted sound profile and a feathery, subtle typing feel, catering to users looking for a quieter and more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and the specific environment where you plan to use them.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you prefer a smoother and clackier typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent tactile switch that offers a satisfying feedback without causing fatigue during long typing sessions, the Akko Penguin would be the better choice. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.
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