Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, and the Akko Penguin, also a tactile switch, one can see that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Browns are known for blending tradition with innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Penguin switches by Akko are designed for a quieter typing experience, making them perfect for office environments. While the Jupiter Browns offer a more polished and stepped feel, the Penguins boast a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Akko Penguin switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic. This results in the Jupiter Brown providing a more clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a sharp sound, while the Akko Penguin offers a duller and rounder sound, appealing to those seeking a deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Jupiter Brown and the Akko Penguin switches utilize nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a consistent sound experience in terms of the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that provides a satisfying typing experience. This shared characteristic ensures that whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Akko Penguin, you'll receive a similar sound profile when typing.
Ultimately, the housing materials used in the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Akko Penguin switches cater to different preferences in sound profiles. While the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience with RGB lighting, the Akko Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users seeking a duller and rounder tone. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile overall. Whether you prioritize a sharper sound profile or a deeper tone, both switches offer a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams of force, while the Penguin requires 60 grams. The Jupiter Brown provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Penguin offers a medium typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akko Penguin switch, which allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch, which provides a firmer push during keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin offers a slightly shallower press, which can be appealing for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown provides a bit more depth to the press, which can be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Brown switch is known for offering a traditional and slightly audible click. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is designed to be muted and quiet, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin switch provides a more subtle and softer sound profile compared to the Jupiter Brown, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Jupiter Brown and Akko Penguin switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Jupiter Brown switch is described as having a mild tactile bump, providing a comfortable keystroke feel without being too aggressive. The Akko Penguin switch, on the other hand, is also polished and offers a mild tactile bump, along with a feathery and subtle touch that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Both switches strike a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Jupiter Brown and Akko Penguin switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Jupiter Brown switch provides a slightly audible click with a traditional tactile bump, the Akko Penguin switch offers a muted and quiet typing experience with a softer tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound level and typing feel, with both switches providing reliable performance and aesthetic appeal in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a classic keystroke feel, the Jupiter Brown with its 70-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a more rounded tactile bump and a 60-gram bottom out force, the Akko Penguin switch could be the better option. Additionally, if noise reduction is a priority for you, the Penguin's muted sound profile may be a key factor in your decision. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and work environment needs.
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