Durock Lupine vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Akko Penguin offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lupine is a linear switch renowned for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution on the downward press and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. With a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine offers a satisfying typing experience categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, polished. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out for its silent tactile design, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments like offices. Featuring a rounded tactile bump for feedback and medium weight for a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Penguin switch is perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, feathery, subtle, the Akko Penguin offers a different typing experience compared to the Durock Lupine. 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
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Akko Penguin switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Penguin features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound qualities, the polycarbonate housing of the Lupine is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Lupine and Penguin switches use nylon, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing highlights the preference for a specific sound profile in both switches. Despite differences in their top housings, the switches share a commonality in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of sound quality in the design of mechanical switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Akko Penguin switches showcase a balance between stiffness and softness to achieve distinct sound profiles. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. The use of nylon for the bottom housing further enhances the switches' sound characteristics, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to creating a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While differences exist between the two switches' housing materials, each serves a specific purpose in influencing the sound profile and overall feel of the switch.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Penguin's 60 grams. However, the Penguin has a lower actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Lupine's unknown actuation force. The Lupine provides a more consistent typing experience with a medium bottom out force, while the Penguin offers a lighter actuation force for easier keystrokes. Both switches fall under the medium weight category, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance than the Penguin, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels to cater to different preferences. The Lupine linear switch provides a classic clacky sound profile, suitable for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Penguin tactile switch is designed for noise minimization, featuring a muted sound profile ideal for quiet office environments. In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction. The Lupine linear switch offers a two-stage long spring design, providing a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Meanwhile, the Penguin tactile switch features a rounded tactile bump, offering a satisfying feedback with each press while maintaining a quiet profile. Overall, whether you prefer a neutral sound profile and a more gentle typing experience like the Lupine or a muted sound profile with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use like the Penguin, both switches offer quality options for different user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you value a classic clacky sound and enjoy a consistent weight distribution, the Lupine linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet typing experience with a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback, the Penguin tactile switch is worth considering. Both switches offer medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, but the Lupine provides a more polished typing experience while the Penguin caters to those who prefer a softer touch. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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