SP-Star Meteor White vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Meteor White is a linear switch that is known for its gentle and soft feel, offering a quiet and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying feedback with a rounded tactile bump, making it a great choice for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. While the Meteor White is ideal for those who prefer a subtle and thocky typing experience, the Penguin is perfect for users looking for a balance between responsiveness and quiet operation. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing. This choice of material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both keyboards produce a duller and rounder sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience for users. The similarity in housing material between the two keyboards ensures that they both deliver a consistent sound and feel while typing.
Despite both keyboards utilizing nylon for their housing material, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko Penguin may differ in the specific design and construction of their housings. While both keyboards share the properties of nylon in providing a softer and more sound-absorbent material, any variations in the design of the housing could potentially impact the overall typing experience. It is important to consider how the differences in housing design may influence the sound and feel of typing on each keyboard, even though they share the same basic material for their housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko Penguin may come down to personal preference in terms of design, aesthetics, and any additional features that each keyboard offers. Both keyboards offer the benefits of nylon housing material, which enhances the typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether the slight differences in housing design and construction are a significant factor in choosing between the two keyboards will depend on individual preferences and priorities in a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Penguin switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Meteor White's undefined force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor White is lighter at 57 grams, while the Penguin requires 60 grams. Both switches provide a medium-level actuation and bottom out force, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Penguin switch, while those who enjoy a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Meteor White. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing pressure and key responsiveness.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Meteor White provides a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Penguin offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Meteor White leaning towards the longer end and the Penguin being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various settings. It produces a thocky sound when pressed, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted sound, making it perfect for quiet office environments. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, while still maintaining a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches provide a different auditory experience, with the Meteor White leaning towards a richer, more pronounced sound, and the Penguin focusing on a subtle, noise-minimized approach.
When it comes to feel, both the Meteor White and the Akko Penguin switches offer a polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Meteor White switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable and comfortable for most users. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch also offers a mild typing experience but goes further by being feathery, exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Penguin switch is subtle, offering a gentle resistance without being overly feather-light, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch provide distinct yet favorable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White offers a thocky sound and a polished, mild typing experience, making it a versatile option for different settings. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin focuses on a muted sound profile and a polished, feathery typing experience, ideal for noise-sensitive environments and prolonged typing sessions. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a gentle and soft typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Meteor White switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile feedback with quiet operation and rounded tactile bump, then the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and environment requirements.
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