Gateron Mars vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Mars and the Akko Penguin can dramatically influence your typing experience. The Gateron Mars switches stand out as linear switches characterized by their innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM in their housing, which provides smooth keystrokes without the tactile feedback that some users may prefer. This makes them an excellent option for gamers or typists who seek a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switches introduce a tactile feel with a rounded bump, perfect for those who enjoy feedback with each key press. These silent tactile switches are particularly suited for office environments where noise minimization is essential, combining a medium weight that balances responsiveness and comfort for extended typing sessions. Each switch has its unique advantages, catering to different preferences and use cases; 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
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Akko Penguin switches both feature nylon top housings, which provide a uniform sound profile characteristic of this material. Nylon is known for its softer and more absorbent properties compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. This similarity in top housing means that users can expect a rounder and more muted sound profile from both switches due to the nylon's inherent qualities. In essence, both switches should deliver a comfortable and satisfying auditory experience during typing, making them interchangeable for those who prioritize sound in their keyboard choices.
However, the bottom housings of the Gateron Mars and Akko Penguin are different, with the Mars using POM and the Penguin utilizing nylon as well. POM (Polyoxymethylene) is celebrated for creating a specific sound profile that is notably deeper and more muted than other materials. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon bottom housing will likely result in a sound that leans toward the plush and rounded qualities associated with its softer plastic. This variance means that while the top housings share a similar impact on sound, the acoustic qualities are distinct when pressing down on theswitches due to the differing materials used in the bottom.
The differences in bottom housing materials suggest that the Gateron Mars and Akko Penguin will produce unique tactile and auditory experiences, despite their shared nylon top. When typing, the POM bottom of the Mars will contribute to a distinctive sound and feel upon bottoming out, translating to a unique tactile feedback compared to the Penguin. This variation highlights an important aspect of switch design whereby the interplay of both top and bottom housing materials influences the overall typing experience. Therefore, users might choose between the two based on sound preferences and tactile feedback, despite the similarities presented by the nylon tops.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gateron Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Akko Penguin switch is slightly lighter at 43 grams. This means that the Mars switch requires a bit more effort to actuate, which may appeal to users who favor a more significant push feel for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it compares in that aspect to the Akko Penguin switch, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The heavier bottom out force of the Penguin adds a tactile feedback that many users might prefer, especially those who enjoy a pronounced sensation during key presses. Overall, the Gateron Mars switch is heavier in terms of actuation, while the Akko Penguin switch offers a medium bottom out force, making it better suited for those who appreciate a deliberate feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Mars switch offers a deeper feedback sensation compared to the Penguin switch, which might appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Penguin switch can provide quicker actuation, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize fast response times. Thus, for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Akko Penguin might be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more robust typing experience could opt for the Gateron Mars. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance reflects the varying preferences for depth and responsiveness in keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars linear switch remains somewhat of an enigma, with limited information available on its acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is well-regarded for its muted sound profile, which significantly minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Penguin’s construction, optimized for silence, makes it particularly suitable for office environments where quiet operation is essential. While the Mars switch could have a sound profile that is less pronounced than clicky switches, the specific details remain undisclosed, leaving users to explore how it compares to more muted alternatives like the Penguin.
Focusing on the feel of these two switches, the Gateron Mars has not been prominently characterized, leaving its tactile response and smoothness open to personal exploration. However, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is acclaimed for its polished and mild typing experience. It boasts a gentle tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, making it approachable for users of all experience levels. Additionally, the Penguin offers a feathery actuation, which minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, enhancing overall comfort. The subtle characteristics of the Penguin allow for a refined experience without the frustration that can accompany more aggressive tactile switches.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars linear switch leaves many dimensions somewhat unexplored, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a clear profile of muted sound and a refined, gentle tactile experience. The differences in sound quality may favor the Penguin for silent operation, though the exact nature of the Mars's sound remains to be uncovered. In terms of feel, the Penguin likely outperforms with its polished surface and mild feedback, offering a compelling choice for comfortable typing without fatigue. Together, these factors suggest that if you are drawn to either switch, particularly for extended typing sessions, the Penguin could offer a more defined and comfortable experience, while the Mars might still surprise with its unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, the Mars is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or tasks that demand fast, fluid key presses. Its unique POK stem design and lightweight feel can make for a highly responsive experience, ideal for those who type quickly or prefer a bottomless feedback. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared or quiet environment, such as an office, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable. Its muted sound profile and tactile feedback allow for a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. The Penguin’s moderately weighted 60-gram actuation force is perfect for those who want feedback without the noise, balancing ease of use and responsive feel, making it manageable for extended typing sessions. Therefore, consider your primary use case: for gaming and fast typing, opt for the Mars; for a quieter, more nuanced typing experience, the Penguin is the way to go.
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