Durock Koala vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Akko Penguin each bring unique characteristics to the table. The Durock Koala is known for its middle-ground tactile experience, offering a pronounced but not overwhelming bump during keystrokes, along with a bit of resonance that adds to the typing experience without being too noisy. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is designed for those seeking a silent tactile switch, making it perfect for office settings where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort for extended typing sessions. 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
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Koala and Akko Penguin switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature that enhances resonance. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the Koala emphasizes clarity and brightness in sound, the Penguin focuses on creating a rounder and duller sound for typing enthusiasts seeking a more subdued auditory experience.
Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their shared quality of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a smoother and more muted typing experience. This consistency in the bottom housing material between the Koala and Penguin switches highlights their similar approach to delivering a comfortable and satisfying typing sound. Whether selecting the Koala or the Penguin, users can expect a cohesive sound profile that prioritizes depth and richness in keypress feedback.
The contrasting top housing materials of the Koala and Penguin switches showcase how different plastics can impact the overall sound signature of a mechanical keyboard. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Koala emphasizes clarity and sharpness, the nylon top housing of the Penguin offers a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in top housing material allows users to choose between a crisper, more resonant sound with the Koala or a mellower, more absorbing sound with the Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference for sound profile, with the bottom housing material providing a consistent foundation for a satisfying typing experience in either case.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Koala is on the heavier side while the Penguin is lighter. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, but a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams, offering a slightly lighter touch for typing, and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium in comparison to the Koala. Both switches have their advantages - the Koala is better suited for those who prefer a heavier feel, while the Penguin is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In this case, the Koala has a longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The Koala's 4mm travel distance falls into the category of a more traditional switch, offering a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Penguin's 3.3mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, with the Koala offering a more substantial feel and the Penguin catering to those seeking a faster response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Durock Koala switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a muted and neutral sound, minimizing noise and maintaining a quiet profile ideal for office settings. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Koala offering a slightly more resonant tone compared to the Penguin's softer sound output.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch features a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff tactile experience, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable but not overwhelming tactile bump. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing feel, providing a gentle and light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and promotes comfortable typing sessions. While the Koala switch leans towards a more pronounced and structured tactility, the Penguin switch aims for a softer and more effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Akko Penguin switches differ in their subjective qualities, offering distinct sound profiles and tactile feels to cater to different preferences. The Koala excels in providing a balanced tactile feedback with a slightly resonant sound, ideal for those seeking a middle ground between tactility and smoothness. On the other hand, the Penguin focuses on delivering a quiet and gentle typing experience with a muted sound output, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Durock Koala would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a rounded tactile bump, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a low-pitched sound and polished feel, the Koala would be a better fit, whereas if you prefer muted sound and a feathery, subtle feel, the Penguin would be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your typing preferences and environment requirements.
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