Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch, offering a shorter travel distance and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and pleasant clackiness, this switch is ideal for those looking for a neutral and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that prioritizes noise minimization, making it a great choice for office environments. Featuring a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback and medium weight for balanced responsiveness, this switch is 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
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko Penguin switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing providing a thinner and higher-pitched "clacky" sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users, as the sound and feel of a switch can greatly influence overall satisfaction with a keyboard.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko Penguin switches feature unique materials that contribute to the overall sound profile. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, complementing the top housing for a cohesive typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Akko Penguin absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Ink Yellow. This difference in sound can cater to different preferences, with some users preferring a sharper sound while others may prefer a softer, fuller sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko Penguin switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches use different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are split between the two parts of the switch. Whether you prefer a thinner, clacky sound with the INK blend housing of the Ink Yellow or a deeper, fuller sound with the nylon housing of the Penguin, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to a variety of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Akko Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the 60 grams of the Gateron Ink Yellow. This means that the Akko Penguin requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. This means that the Gateron switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Gateron Ink Yellow.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ink Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be felt by users who have a preference for either more depth in their key press or a quicker, more responsive feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the travel distance that feels most comfortable and efficient for individual typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for producing a clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile, designed to minimize noise in office environments. Despite these differences, both switches fall under the descriptor of neutral switches, meaning they have a moderate sound profile suitable for various situations.
In terms of feel, both switches share similar characteristics as they are both described as polished switches, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The Gateron Ink Yellow is noted for its mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is also classified as mild, providing a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for extended typing sessions, such as gaming or work.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer differing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Yellow provides a clacky sound and a smooth typing experience, the Penguin switch offers a muted sound with a tactile feedback that is ideal for quiet office environments. Despite these distinctions, both switches are categorized as neutral switches with moderate sound profiles, making them versatile options for a wide range of users and settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel distance that provides a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a quiet profile, and a fairly rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback, the Akko Penguin tactile switch may be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences, noise sensitivity, and intended use case when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs and typing style.
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