Cherry Nixie vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Akko Penguin stand out as popular options within the keyboard community. The Cherry Nixie is well-loved for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a silent tactile switch experience, making it ideal for office environments where noise reduction is essential. The Penguin's rounded tactile bump provides satisfying feedback with each press, while maintaining a quiet profile. Ultimately, the Nixie is best known for its textured and thocky feel, while the Penguin is revered for its muted and polished typing experience. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and Akko Penguin are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material. Both the Nixie and the Penguin offer a similar typing experience due to their nylon top and bottom housings, with the sound and feel impacted by the characteristics of this material.
However, despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may still be differences in the overall typing experience between the Cherry Nixie and Akko Penguin. These differences could arise from variables such as the design of the switch itself, the manufacturing process, or any additional components used in conjunction with the housing material. While they may share the same housing material, subtle differences in construction and design could lead to variations in sound, feel, and overall performance when typing on these switches.
It is important to consider how the top and bottom housings of a switch can influence the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding the role each component plays in the overall typing experience can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing between switches like the Cherry Nixie and Akko Penguin for their keyboard setups.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch. While the Nixie requires 63.5 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, the Penguin only needs 43 grams for actuation and 60 grams for bottoming out. This makes the Nixie a heavier option overall. Weight is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch like the Penguin may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier switch like the Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to individuals with different preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Nixie has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Penguin's 3.3 mm. The Nixie's 4.0mm distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper feel when pressed, which some may prefer. On the other hand, the Penguin's 3.3 mm distance is slightly shorter, making it more suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance, with the Nixie offering a longer, more traditional feel and the Penguin providing a shorter, more responsive experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as producing a muted and neutral sound, making it ideal for quiet office environments. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Nixie providing a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound, while the Penguin offers a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is recognized for its textured typing experience, offering noticeable friction when pressed. Meanwhile, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is characterized by a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. The Nixie switch may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile and textured typing sensation, while the Penguin switch offers a lighter and smoother keystroke experience suitable for extended typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Nixie switch provides a deep and textured typing experience with a thocky sound profile, while the Penguin switch offers a quiet and smooth typing feel with a muted sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as noise level preferences, typing style, and tactile feedback when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a heavier switch with a textured typing experience and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry Nixie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that offers a quiet and satisfying tactile feedback, along with a muted and neutral sound profile, the Akko Penguin switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as typing comfort, noise level, and typing style to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and requirements. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
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