Durock Light Tactile vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko Penguin both offer unique benefits for users. The light tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a pleasant typing experience with a soft touch and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches excel in being silent tactile switches, making them perfect for quiet environments such as offices. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. It's important to dive deeper beyond generalities to make the best decision on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
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 Light Tactile and the Akko Penguin switches both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the nylon top housing of the Penguin absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
The bottom housings of both switches also play a crucial role in the typing experience. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deep and full sound profile, similar to the nylon top housing of the Akko Penguin. Both bottom housings are made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of typing.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, they both offer unique benefits depending on the desired sound profile. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and resonant sound, perfect for RGB lighting effects, while the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deep and full sound profile. The contrasting characteristics of the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, with each switch providing a distinct sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile and Akko Penguin tactile switches have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Akko Penguin for its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more robust typing experience may opt for the Durock Light Tactile with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Light Tactile switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience for some users. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Penguin switch, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may prefer the Light Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, delivering a moderate level of noise that is suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise minimization is crucial. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience but cater to different preferences in terms of sound output.
In regard to the feel of the switches, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable for most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction, enhancing the overall feel. Similarly, the Akko Penguin switch also features a polished and mild typing experience, with a smooth key travel that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the switch's feathery and subtle characteristics contribute to a comfortable typing feel suitable for extended use.
Overall, both the Durock Light Tactile and Akko Penguin tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides a moderate sound profile and a gentle tactility, while the Penguin switch offers a muted sound and a rounded tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and comfort, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and angelic tactile switch with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience for office environments with a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments.
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