Durock Mamba vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Akko Penguin stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Durock Mamba, a linear switch, offers a smooth typing experience with a rich sound, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a gliding sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, is designed for those seeking a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Penguin falls under categories like 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and Akko Penguin both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Mamba uses a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a bright and pleasant sound profile that is not too sharp. On the other hand, the Penguin utilizes nylon for its top housing, which produces a fuller and deeper sound due to the material's softness and sound absorption properties. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Mamba's top housing leans towards a brighter tone compared to the Penguin's deeper sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM material that creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This is in contrast to the Akko Penguin, which also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similarly deep and fuller sound profile. Despite the different materials used for the bottom housing, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics. The muted sound produced by the Mamba's POM bottom housing contrasts with the rounder sound created by the Penguin's nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Mamba and the Akko Penguin contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Mamba's top housing creates a brighter sound, while the POM bottom housing adds a deeper and muted tone. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon housing results in a fuller and deeper sound profile across both the top and bottom. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their housing materials playing a significant role in the sound produced by each keypress.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, so users can expect a similar typing experience in that regard. The Mamba offers a lighter actuation force compared to the Penguin, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Penguin provides a slightly heavier actuation force for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Penguin, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Mamba. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and users, providing a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch produces a muted sound that is quieter and more suitable for office settings where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Mamba presenting a thocky sound and the Penguin providing a more subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing feel. The Akko Penguin tactile switch also features a polished surface, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Penguin switch is described as offering a feathery and subtle typing feel, combining light actuation force with gentle resistance for comfortable extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a thocky sound, the Penguin switch offers a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve similar levels of typing comfort and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a smooth and silent typing experience with a balanced tactile bump for feedback, the Akko Penguin switch would be a great choice, especially for office settings where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba would be the ideal option, especially for general typing purposes. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing style and the noise requirements of your workspace. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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