Gateron Mountain Top vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko Penguin are two popular options worth considering. The Gateron Mountain Top offers a linear switch experience, known for its quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, making it ideal for office environments where discretion is key. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin features a tactile switch design, perfect for those looking for a satisfying feedback with each press while maintaining a quiet profile. The Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle, while the Penguin switch is polished, muted, and feathery. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, catering to different preferences and requirements. 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 Mountain Top and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials. This means that when typing on switches from either of these keyboards, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon plastic allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a more satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a quieter and more muted sound profile.
Despite both keyboards using nylon for their housing materials, one key difference between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko Penguin lies in the design and build quality of the switches themselves. The Mountain Top may feature a different switch design or mechanism that could impact the overall typing experience compared to the Penguin. Additionally, the overall construction and layout of the keyboard can also influence the sound and feel of typing, even if the housing materials are the same.
Ultimately, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko Penguin offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon as a housing material. The softer nature of nylon plastic creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who appreciate a quieter typing experience. While there may be subtle differences in design and build quality between the two keyboards, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top is the lighter option while the Penguin is the heavier one. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Penguin boasts a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. The actuation force of the Mountain Top is lower than that of the Penguin, providing a lighter and easier typing experience for those who prefer minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Penguin offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, making them popular choices for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience. The Mountain Top switch may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed, while the Penguin switch may feel slightly more abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel 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 Mountain Top 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists in various environments. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted sound that minimizes noise, making it ideal for quiet office settings. Both switches are designed to cater to individuals who require a quieter typing experience, with the Mountain Top offering a more neutral sound compared to the Penguin's muted profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, offering a responsive and low-impact feel that enhances overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished and mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Mountain Top offering a bouncier and more responsive feel compared to the Penguin's polished and gentle typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both excel in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience suitable for office environments. While the Mountain Top switch offers a more neutral sound with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Penguin switch provides a muted sound with a polished and mild tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options for individuals seeking a quieter typing experience without compromising on comfort and responsiveness.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment. If you value discretion and quietness in an office setting, the Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and bouncy, easy-to-press feel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a satisfying tactile feedback while keeping noise to a minimum, the Akko Penguin switch with its medium weight and polished, feathery feel could be the better option for your professional workspace. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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