Haimu Neo White vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the Akko Penguin offer users unique typing experiences. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing feel with its rare Ly stem. Categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', this linear switch is ideal for those looking for a balanced and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is known for its silent tactile feedback, making it perfect for office settings where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', these switches offer a satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the Akko Penguin both use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which allow it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Haimu Neo White utilizes polycarbonate while the Akko Penguin uses nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Penguin elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound. This difference in top housing material results in a distinct sound and feel when typing on these switches, catering to different preferences based on sound preference.
Despite the differences in top housing material, both the Haimu Neo White and the Akko Penguin offer unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience for users. The split qualities of the housing material between the top and bottom of the switch allow for a varied sound when pressing down and releasing a key. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the clear and resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the deep and fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing, both switches provide users with a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have a medium bottom out force, with the Neo White being slightly lighter at 58 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. The actuation force of the Neo White is not specified, while the Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the Neo White for its lighter bottom out force, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Penguin may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a medium level of tactile feedback, with the Neo White being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more profound typing experience compared to the Penguin. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance, the Neo White would be the better option, but if you prefer a more compact and responsive feel, the Penguin would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, for a similar typing experience, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that will provide a similar feel when typing.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and purposes. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted sound, ideal for office settings where minimizing noise is essential. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Neo White being more versatile and the Penguin offering a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience, striking a balance between feedback and comfort. In comparison, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing feel. Additionally, the Penguin switch is noted for its feathery and subtle characteristics, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with slight variations in feedback and smoothness.
In conclusion, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Neo White switch provides a medium weight and smooth actuation, while the Penguin switch offers a rounded tactile bump and silent operation. Depending on whether you prioritize versatility and moderate sound with the Neo White switch or prefer a polished and quiet typing experience with the Penguin switch, both options provide excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel for a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Neo White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a silent tactile switch with a balanced mix of responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin could be the better option, especially for office environments where noise minimization is important. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a milder typing experience, the Neo White would be suitable for you. Conversely, if you are seeking a polished switch with a softer and quieter sound, along with a feathery and subtle typing feel, the Akko Penguin might be the ideal fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences in terms of typing experience and noise level.
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