Gateron Melodic vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Akko Penguin stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that is perfect for office environments due to its silent operation and rounded tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback with each press while keeping noise to a minimum. Both switches have their own unique qualities and benefits, making them appealing to different types of users. 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in switches that produce deeper and fuller sound profiles due to nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, when typing on either the Melodic or the Penguin switches, the bottom housing material will play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience by affecting the bottom-out sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Melodic and the Penguin differ, with the Melodic featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Penguin using a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Penguin results in a duller and rounder sound profile, with nylon's softer properties absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This distinction in top housing materials showcases how different materials can influence the sound and feel of typing on mechanical switches.
Overall, while both the Gateron Melodic and the Akko Penguin switches feature nylon bottom housings for a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, their choice of top housing materials provides contrasting results. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, especially suitable for RGB lighting applications, while the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users determine the best option for their desired typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of the amount of force needed to fully press the key. However, the actuation force of the Melodic switch is not mentioned, while the Penguin switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Penguin switch requires a lighter initial force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Melodic switch, which could potentially result in a faster typing speed. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Penguin switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Melodic switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we find that the Melodic offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Melodic has a longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The Melodic's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional typing experience, allowing for deeper key presses, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages depending on user preference, with the Melodic offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper keystroke, while the Penguin provides a shorter travel distance for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch produces a muted and neutral sound, perfect for noise minimization in office environments. The Melodic switch is more geared towards those who enjoy a crisp and crunchy clicky sound, while the Penguin switch caters to individuals looking for a softer and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation with smooth and fluid keystrokes, creating a seamless and reactive feel. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch provides a polished, mild, feathery, or subtle typing experience, depending on the user's preference. The Penguin switch's medium weight strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic switch excels in providing a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, suitable for users seeking a classic clicky experience with smoothness and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a muted and neutral sound with a polished, mild, feathery, or subtle feel, catering to individuals looking for a quieter and more gentle typing experience. Overall, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific needs and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, the Gateron Melodic switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a muted and neutral sound profile with a polished, mild, feathery, or subtle typing feel, the Akko Penguin switch could be the more suitable choice, especially in office environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to select the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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