KTT Matcha vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Matcha and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with a decision between two excellent tactile options. The KTT Matcha stands out for its comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a distinct clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a silent tactile experience, making it perfect for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. The Penguin features a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. While these general distinctions can guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you choose the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Matcha and Akko Penguin share similarities in their use of different housing materials for the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Matcha's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to a sharp and clear sound, while the Penguin's nylon bottom housing results in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials highlight how the top and bottom housings can affect the overall sound profile of a switch.
The use of polycarbonate in the KTT Matcha's housing creates a more resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature, while the Akko Penguin's nylon housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer and duller sound profile. The clarity and sharpness of the Matcha's polycarbonate housing are ideal for those looking for a crisper sound when typing, while the Penguin's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. The choice between these two housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired sound profile for the user.
In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Matcha's housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the classic nylon housing of the Akko Penguin may appeal to those looking for a more understated design. Despite their differences, both housing materials play a crucial role in creating the overall sound and feel of the switch, showcasing how material selection can significantly impact the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Matcha is the lighter option. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a relatively light switch. In contrast, the Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the Matcha. Individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Matcha, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Penguin for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to varying preferences for typing feel and force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Matcha switch offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Penguin switch provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Penguin for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Matcha. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Matcha providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 KTT Matcha switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for office environments where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the surrounding environment.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, providing a unique tactile experience with responsive feedback and a light typing feel. Conversely, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and a comfortable key travel. Both switches deliver a pleasant tactile feedback with varying levels of tactility and smoothness, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Overall, the KTT Matcha and Akko Penguin switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that appeal to different preferences and typing environments. The Matcha switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with a clacky sound, while the Penguin switch offers a smoother and quieter typing experience. Both switches are suitable for prolonged typing sessions, but the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Ultimately, each switch offers a unique typing experience that users can appreciate based on their personal preferences and needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a snappy, stepped, and subtly accented tactile feel with a clacky sound profile, then the KTT Matcha switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and value a rounded tactile bump, a polished feel, and a more muted sound profile, then the Akko Penguin switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. Consider how these factors align with your typing preferences and needs to determine which switch will best enhance your overall typing experience.
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