Zuoce Lavender vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches for your typing needs, two popular options to compare are the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko Penguin. The Lavender switch is a linear switch recognized for its smoothness and clacky sound signature, offering a satisfying typing experience, while the Penguin switch by Akko is a tactile switch designed for silent operation in office environments, featuring a rounded tactile bump for feedback without noise. The Lavender switch is ideal for those looking for an easy-to-press and clacky switch, while the Penguin switch suits those seeking a polished, muted, and subtle typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Akko Penguin both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Lavender's POM bottom housing and the Penguin's nylon bottom housing contribute to their respective switch sound profiles, with POM creating a deep and muted sound and nylon offering a fuller sound with more absorption of sound.
While both the Lavender and the Penguin utilize different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials on the switch's sound profile can be felt in different ways. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall unique sound experience of each switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko Penguin both aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound for keyboard enthusiasts. While POM and nylon offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound production, both materials contribute to creating a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of POM or the fuller and rounder sound of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Lavender has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Penguin requires 60 grams, making the Lavender the lighter option overall. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of force required, with the Lavender being on the lighter side and the Penguin being slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Lavender would be the better choice, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Penguin. Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience due to their actuation and bottom out forces, but regardless of choice, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Lavender switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin switch, which may provide a slightly deeper key press feel. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant enough to be noticeable in practical use. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular among users looking for faster response times, especially in gaming settings. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference for how much depth and responsiveness is desired in the typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound that adds a satisfying touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted sound profile that minimizes noise and is more neutral in its actuation force requirement. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender providing a crisp and bright sound while the Penguin delivers a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office settings.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. In comparison, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Penguin switch offers a mild and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing strain on the fingers. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience tailored to different preferences, with the Lavender focusing on light actuation and the Penguin emphasizing smoothness and ease of use.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that appeal to different users. The Lavender excels in providing a clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press feel, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Penguin stands out for its muted sound profile, polished feel, and balanced actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a silent and smooth typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages, ensuring that users will be able to find a switch that suits their specific preferences and needs for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and clacky typing experience right out of the box, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the Lavender switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, if you are seeking a quiet and tactile typing experience for an office environment, the Akko Penguin tactile switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams would be the ideal option for you. The Penguin switch provides a rounded tactile bump for feedback without the loud noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will come down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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