Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko Penguin offer distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Red is a linear switch that provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, making it ideal for users who prefer a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying tactile bump with each press while maintaining a quiet profile, making it a great choice for those working in office environments where noise minimization is crucial. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal preference and typing needs. 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
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
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 Red and the Akko Penguin switches each bring their own unique characteristics to the table. The Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, creating a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the Jupiter Red's top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a classic feel and sound.
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko Penguin switches feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on either switch, the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a unique typing experience. Despite the differences in their top housings, the similarity in the bottom housing material of these switches results in a consistent typing sensation in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko Penguin switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a classic typing feel. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, contributing to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound absorption and impact. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their desired sound profile and typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. However, the Jupiter Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams, making the Jupiter Red slightly heavier to activate. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly more responsive typing feel on the Penguin switch, while the Jupiter Red may require a little more pressure to register a keystroke. Overall, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, offering a balance between a light typing experience for extended use and a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm while the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Jupiter Red's 4.0mm distance provides a more traditional feel with a deeper press, while the Penguin's 3.3mm distance offers a quicker response time for gamers. Gamers looking for a faster response may prefer the Penguin, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Jupiter Red. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a neutral experience, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a more muted sound, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is important. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Jupiter Red being more versatile and the Penguin being quieter.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a smooth typing experience for users. The Jupiter Red switch is described as creamy and silky, providing a refined and easy key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a feathery and subtle feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches strike a balance between smoothness and ease of use, catering to users who prioritize comfort during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct experiences in sound and feel. The Jupiter Red provides a neutral sound and a polished, creamy feel, catering to users looking for a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a muted sound and a feathery, subtle feel, making it suitable for quieter environments and prolonged typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences and the specific environment of use, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a quieter option for office environments while still enjoying a satisfying tactile feedback with medium weight and balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would suit your needs. Consider the sound and feel profiles described for each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and typing habits. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and settings, so choose wisely based on your specific requirements.
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