Gateron Luciola vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Penguin offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Luciola is a linear switch that stands out for its stunning glow-in-the-dark feature and smooth, bouncy typing feel. Known for its medium heft and distinctive sound profile resembling a shaken can of spray paint, the Luciola is ideal for those who prefer a snappy and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch designed for a quieter typing environment with its silent tactile bump and muted profile. Perfect for office settings where noise reduction is necessary, the Penguin offers a satisfying feedback with each press and strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Penguin switches both contribute to the sound profile of the switches, but in different ways. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing creates a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Penguin's nylon top and bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Luciola's sound is more pointed and sharp, while the Penguin's sound is duller and rounder due to the softer nature of nylon compared to the harder plastic used in the Luciola.
Despite the differences in sound profile created by the housing materials, both the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Penguin switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend produces a unique clacky sound that some users may prefer for its distinctiveness, while the Penguin's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound that others may find more pleasant and less sharp. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Penguin switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience for users. The differences in sound profile created by the top and bottom housings of each switch contribute to unique tactile feedback and auditory cues while typing. Whether you prefer the clacky and pointed sound of the Luciola or the deeper and fuller sound of the Penguin, both switches offer quality construction and a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in that aspect. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Luciola is heavier at 55 grams compared to the Penguin's lighter 43 grams. This means that the Luciola requires more force to trigger a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Penguin makes it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and how it impacts typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko Penguin has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Luciola. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them preferred choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in the Akko Penguin feeling slightly more abrupt than the Gateron Luciola to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique combination of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profiles, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a more muted and neutral sound, ideal for minimizing noise in office environments. The Penguin's quiet profile contrasts with the Luciola's more pronounced and distinct sound qualities, catering to different preferences in keyboard auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, both switches exhibit a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined keystrokes for a sleek typing experience. While the Luciola is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a bouncy and responsive typing feel, the Penguin offers a mild, feathery, and subtle sensation, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Both switches aim to strike a balance between typing comfort and responsiveness, catering to varied user preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles. The Luciola excels in delivering a lively and bouncy typing experience with its clacky and snappy characteristics, while the Penguin prioritizes noise minimization with its muted and gentle tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the unique qualities of each switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard users, offering a satisfying typing experience tailored to personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a unique and visually stunning keyboard with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, as well as a medium weight and distinct sound profile, the Luciola may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience for office settings, a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback, a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, and a muted sound profile, then the Penguin switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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