Gateron Mini i vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mini i and Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Gateron Mini i is renowned for its gentle tactility and muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for office settings where a quiet and professional typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are ideal for those seeking a balance between tactile feedback and noise reduction, making them perfect for office environments where noise minimization is a priority. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience while catering to different preferences. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Mini i and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon as the material for their switch housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of switches with nylon housings. This similarity in housing material between the two keyboards ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of the top housing, the Mini i and the Penguin share the same nylon material, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to the overall sound quality by absorbing more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound during typing. This consistency in housing material between the two keyboards ensures that users can enjoy a similar sound experience when using either the Mini i or the Penguin switches.
On the other hand, while the bottom housing of the Gateron Mini i and the Akko Penguin also utilize nylon material, the impact of this material may differ slightly between the two switches. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, so any variations in the nylon material of the bottom housing may result in slight differences in the typing experience between the Mini i and the Penguin. Despite this potential variance, the shared use of nylon as the housing material ensures that users can still expect a similar overall sound profile and typing feel when using either keyboard.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Mini i easier to trigger a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Mini i has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams, which means that the Penguin provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Gateron Mini i would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a heavier force, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be the better option. Despite the slight differences in force, both switches provide a tactile typing experience, and by choosing the appropriate switch based on weight preference, users can achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may enjoy the faster response time provided by the shorter travel distance of the Akko Penguin, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Mini i. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 Mini i tactile switch offers a fairly neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings without being too loud. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a more muted sound, perfect for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches maintain a balance between sound and tactility, ensuring a satisfying typing experience without causing disturbance to others nearby.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a range of tactile experiences for users to enjoy. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is noted for its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience with minimal finger strain. Both switches aim to provide a gentle and responsive typing feel, making prolonged typing sessions effortless and enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gateron Mini i provides a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy typing experience, the Akko Penguin offers a muted sound and a polished feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactility, both switches cater to different needs and deliver a satisfying typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user, but rest assured that both switches will provide a pleasant typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile that is ideal for office environments, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are more concerned about noise minimization in an office setting but still want a satisfying feedback with a medium weight switch, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and environment. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, so choose wisely based on your specific needs and preferences.
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