Durock Medium Tactile vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko Penguin stand out as top contenders in the tactile switch category. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, offering a jelly-like sound signature that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are known for their silent tactile feedback, making them perfect for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. While the Medium Tactile provides a satisfying and accented tactile experience, the Penguin offers a more subdued and muted tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences and 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko Penguin, we see that the Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Moreover, both the Medium Tactile and the Akko Penguin share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches maintain a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. While the top housing material may differ between the two switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko Penguin comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Penguin will offer a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the different housing materials influencing the overall sound and feel of each key press. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder tone, both switches have qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Akko Penguin switch, it is evident that the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Penguin switch which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Penguin switch is 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Penguin switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the Penguin switch providing a lighter actuation force and the Medium Tactile switch offering a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko Penguin switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Medium Tactile switch provides a more traditional travel distance, offering a balanced feel for typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Penguin switch has a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Medium Tactile offering a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, and the Penguin switch providing a shorter travel distance for those seeking a faster, more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as producing a muted sound, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Medium Tactile, which may be more desirable for those seeking a more discreet keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Medium Tactile is highlighted for its accented tactility, providing a balanced yet prominent tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile feedback for a more nuanced typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Penguin switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing sensation. Furthermore, the Penguin switch is characterized by its feathery actuation, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Medium Tactile and Akko Penguin switches offer distinct experiences in terms of both sound and feel. While the Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactile bump for a unique typing experience, the Penguin switch offers a muted sound profile and a feathery feel for a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, tactility, and overall typing experience. However, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience for users, ensuring that regardless of the choice made, quality results can be expected.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and Akko Penguin tactile switches, your choice should be based on your preference for tactile feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a polished finish, then the Akko Penguin switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer a great typing experience, so it really comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
