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HMX Jelly vs. Akko Penguin

An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the Akko Penguin present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and low-pitched, thocky sound, making it an appealing choice for gamers or those who value a fluid typing experience. Weighing in at a light 42g actuation force, it allows for rapid key presses, perfect for high-intensity gaming or fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, offers a uniquely subdued yet satisfying feedback with its rounded tactile bump, striking an excellent balance between performance and comfort. With its silent operation and medium weight, it's particularly suited for office environments, promoting efficient typing sessions without disturbing colleagues. While both switches have their merits—whether you prioritize the Jelly's effortless smoothness or the Penguin's quiet tactility—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

42g

Actuation force

43g

Bottom-out force

48g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Total travel

3.30 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

T2

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

22mm extended single-stage spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Akko Penguin switches, one can immediately observe that both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is consistent between the two switches and underscores the distinctive sound profile associated with nylon. As noted, nylon is a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This characteristic of nylon helps absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which is likely to be appreciated by users seeking a quieter typing environment.

While both the HMX Jelly and the Akko Penguin share the same nylon material for their housings, it’s essential to consider how these materials affect the overall feel and sound during use. The bottom housing, made of nylon, will largely determine the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Simultaneously, the top housing, also crafted from nylon, will have a significant influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Thus, even though the materials are the same, the combined effect can vary based on individual switch designs and tuning, enhancing the overall user experience.

Ultimately, the similarity in housing materials between the HMX Jelly and the Akko Penguin suggests that users can expect comparable auditory results while typing. Given that both switches utilize nylon, the tonal qualities will align closely, leading to similar sound profiles. However, one should remain mindful of other factors, such as the specific design and any additional tuning applied to each switch. These elements, when considered alongside the shared nylon housings, will ultimately sculpt the distinct tactile experience and sound of each switch, reinforcing how the unique implementation of the same material can yield different results.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Penguin's actuation force is slightly heavier at 43 grams. This indicates that the Jelly might be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Jelly again demonstrates a lighter profile at 48 grams compared to the Penguin’s heavier 60 grams. The difference in bottom out force reflects the Penguin’s more substantial typing experience, which some users might find preferable for a firmer key feel. Ultimately, the HMX Jelly is the lighter switch overall, making it ideal for those seeking ease during prolonged use, while the Akko Penguin caters to those who appreciate a heftier typing sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we see distinct differences that cater to varying preferences in feel and responsiveness. The Jelly switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Penguin switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that, if you're looking for quicker response times typical of a gaming setup, the Akko Penguin could be a better fit due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers, the HMX Jelly offers a longer travel of 3.8 mm, providing a more pronounced depth that some users find more satisfying. Therefore, those who lean towards gaming may favor the Penguin for its shorter actuation, whereas typists or those seeking a deeper experience might opt for the Jelly switch.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.

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 HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. This makes it suitable for a more subdued ambiance where tactile sound can still be enjoyed without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is engineered to minimize noise, producing a muted and neutral sound profile, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Penguin maintains a subtler auditory presence, the Jelly’s deeper tone offers a distinct and pleasurable acoustic experience that stands out in quieter settings.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch delivers a remarkably smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lube and lightweight design, requiring only 42g of actuation force. This smoothness allows for effortless key presses, making it appealing for users who prefer a linear switch. In contrast, the Akko Penguin offers a tactile bump, providing a mild yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The switch's polished and feathery nature ensures that it feels comfortable to type on for extended periods, while its balanced resistance makes it approachable for all types of users. Notably, both switches emphasize comfort and ease of use, but they cater to different preferences—linear versus tactile.

In summary, the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch present users with distinct experiences across sound and feel. The Jelly switch offers a deep and satisfying thocky sound accompanied by a buttery smooth actuation that many users find pleasurable, while the Penguin offers a muted sound profile yet maintains engaging tactile feedback, suitable for quieter environments. Both prioritize comfort, but their approaches vary: the Jelly prioritizes seamless linear action, while the Penguin strikes a balance between tactile response and a polished feel. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your preference for sound and the typing sensation you find most enjoyable.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you favor a lighter touch and a smooth, thocky sound that can enhance your typing experience, especially in a gaming context or for fast-paced work, the HMX Jelly is a great fit. Its 48 grams of bottom-out force combined with its excellent factory lubrication promises not only a silky typing experience but also minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more muted sound profile that is practical for shared spaces, such as in office environments, the Akko Penguin switch stands out with its medium 60 grams of force and rounded tactile feedback. This switch strikes a pleasing balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring a satisfying experience without the louder clicks that can disturb those around you. Therefore, your decision should reflect your environment, whether you need something quieter and tactile or something smooth and quick. Both switches offer unique advantages, ensuring that whether you choose the Jelly or the Penguin, you're equipped for a top-notch typing experience.

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