Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Akko Penguin offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its blend of materials, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches and prefer a more neutral and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is known for its silent tactile design, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin provides satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, making it great for extended typing sessions. Both switches have their own merits, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference - 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Akko Penguin both feature housing materials that are designed to enhance the typing experience for users. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for the top housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Akko Penguin opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality, providing a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder housing materials.
In addition to the top housing, both the Keygeek Raw and the Akko Penguin feature unique bottom housing materials that further contribute to the overall typing experience. The Keygeek Raw incorporates a UMPE & Si blend for its bottom housing, exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Akko Penguin utilizes a classic nylon bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the bottom housing influences the sound profile of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches.
Despite the differences in the specific materials used for the housing of the Keygeek Raw and the Akko Penguin, the overall goal of enhancing the typing experience remains consistent between the two switches. Both switches aim to provide users with a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller, creating a more satisfying typing experience. Whether it be the exclusive Nylon & UPE blend top housing of the Keygeek Raw or the classic nylon top housing of the Akko Penguin, users can expect a similar level of sound quality that is characterized by a duller and rounder tone compared to switches with harder housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see that the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Akko Penguin has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making the Penguin slightly heavier in this aspect. However, the actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is unknown, while the Akko Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Penguin lighter in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall under the medium force category, providing a good balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference in travel distance between the two may not be significant in terms of feel, as they are both relatively short. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Keygeek Raw may be the better option, while the Akko Penguin offers a slightly quicker keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as having a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience, which is ideal for office settings where noise reduction is important. Both switches fall within the neutral category, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. However, the Keygeek Raw may provide a slightly more typical mechanical keyboard sound compared to the quieter Akko Penguin.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch is known for its slightly textured feel out of the box, providing a unique typing experience that may be preferred by some users. It offers a mild resistance that falls in the middle ground, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It also provides a gentle typing feel with a subtle resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Keygeek Raw catering to those who enjoy a textured feel and the Akko Penguin appealing to those who prefer a polished finish.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw and Akko Penguin switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw is ideal for users who appreciate a slightly textured feel and a neutral sound profile, while the Akko Penguin is suited for those who prefer a polished typing experience with a muted sound. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with moderate actuation force requirements, making them versatile options for various typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a slightly textured and creamy switch that is lightweight and unlubricated, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a rounded tactile bump for feedback, is silent for office environments, and strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, then the Akko Penguin could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use case. Both switches have their unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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