Jerrzi Orange vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Orange and the Akko Penguin. The Jerrzi Orange switches are known for their clacky linear design, offering a lightweight feel and crisp, audible feedback with each keystroke. This makes them a vibrant choice for enthusiasts seeking a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are silent tactile switches, making them ideal for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. They provide a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Orange and the Akko Penguin switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Orange's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profile can greatly influence the typing experience for users, with the Orange's polycarbonate housing offering a more resonant sound and the Penguin's nylon housing absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Orange and Penguin switches utilize nylon. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon as a plastic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted sound profile compared to switches with harder bottom housings. This shared feature between the two switches highlights the importance of bottom housing material in shaping the overall sound and feel of a switch during typing.
The difference in top housing materials between the Jerrzi Orange and the Akko Penguin switches showcases how variations in housing materials can impact sound characteristics. While the Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in sound profiles can cater to different preferences for typing experiences, with some users preferring the crisper sound of polycarbonate while others may enjoy the fuller sound produced by nylon. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Orange a lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin requires 60 grams, which is heavier than the Orange, where the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces means that the Orange switch may provide a lighter typing experience overall, while the Penguin switch offers a more substantial and tactile feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Jerrzi Orange, while individuals looking for a more pronounced keystroke feedback may opt for the Akko Penguin. Both switches offer unique characteristics, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, the Orange switch provides a slightly deeper keystroke compared to the Penguin switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Orange switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Penguin switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Orange linear switch is characterized by a clacky and sharp sound, providing a crisp and vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a more muted and softer sound, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Orange switch is more lively and percussive in its sound profile, the Penguin switch provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience, catering to different preferences based on sound levels.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Orange switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Conversely, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished and mild, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering responsive and comfortable key presses, with the Orange switch focusing on a lighter actuation force and the Penguin switch providing a balanced tactile bump for satisfying feedback.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Orange switch excels in providing a clacky and lively typing experience with a lightweight feel, while the Penguin switch stands out for its quieter and more polished typing feel with a balanced tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound levels and typing dynamics. However, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience for users in various environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Orange linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you value a clacky, responsive, and lively typing experience with a lightweight feel, then the Jerrzi Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a medium tactile bump that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, especially in an office environment, then the Akko Penguin switch would be the better option. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and intended uses, so it's important to consider how they align with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the decision rests on what features and typing experience you value most.
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