Dareu Mahjong vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko Penguin are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Mahjong features unique green and white switches that produce a lively and poppy sound, perfect for those who enjoy an energetic typing experience. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Mahjong switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are known for their silent tactile feedback, making them ideal for quiet office environments. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches provide satisfying feedback without causing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Penguin switches strike 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko Penguin, one key difference lies in the top housing material used. The Mahjong utilizes POK material, known for its exceptionally smooth feel and durability, while the Penguin opts for nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The POK material contributes to the Mahjong's smooth and clacky switches, while the nylon material in the Penguin provides a rounder and duller sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Mahjong and the Penguin utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Both keyboards benefit from the acoustic qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, enhancing the overall typing experience with a deeper and more rounded sound. However, they may differ in terms of the specific sound profile created due to other factors such as key design and keycap material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko Penguin plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switches. While the Mahjong's POK material offers superior smoothness and durability, the Penguin's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split between top and bottom housing qualities affects the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both keyboards benefit from the unique qualities of their chosen housing materials, contributing to a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mahjong's force is unknown while the Penguin has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Penguin switch requires a heavier force to press all the way down compared to the Mahjong. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mahjong may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Penguin switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience for users who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable in practical use, so both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of whether a slightly longer or shorter travel distance is preferred for a more comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 Mahjong linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments and users. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted sound that is ideal for office settings where noise reduction is important. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Mahjong being more versatile and the Penguin offering a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches share characteristics such as a polished finish, providing smooth and refined keypresses. The Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, offering a lively and spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. Meanwhile, the Akko Penguin switch is noted for its mild feel, which strikes a balance between comfort and usability, ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Additionally, the Penguin offers a feathery and subtle feel, providing a light and gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences and environments. While the Mahjong switch provides a poppy sound and bouncy feel, the Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience with a mild and feathery feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific environment in which you intend to use them.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Mahjong linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a lively sound and effortless feel, the Mahjong switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback and medium weight, the Penguin switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the Mahjong switch is best for those who enjoy a bouncy and polished feel, while the Penguin switch caters to those who prefer a polished, mild, feathery, or subtle typing experience. Weighing the differences in sound, feel, and bottom out force will help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences.
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