Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko Penguin. The NovelKeys Blueberry is celebrated for its sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a crisp typing experience with a slightly deeper sound frequency. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out for its silent tactile switches, making it an excellent choice for office settings where noise reduction is important. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort during extended typing sessions. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko Penguin switches both contribute to creating a unique sound profile. The NovelKeys Blueberry uses POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deep and muted sound. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound. While both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, the use of different materials leads to slightly different sound characteristics.
In terms of material properties, POM and nylon offer distinct advantages when used in switch housings. POM is known for its rigidity and durability, providing a stable platform for key presses and contributing to a more muted sound profile. On the other hand, nylon is softer and more flexible, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder and deeper sound when typing on the switches. The choice of housing material ultimately impacts the overall feel and sound of the switches, with POM offering a firm and stable typing experience, while nylon provides a softer and more cushioned feel.
While the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Akko Penguin switches differ, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housings of the Blueberry switches create a pleasing and muted sound, while the Penguin switches' nylon top and bottom housings produce a deep and full sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches, offering users a customizable typing experience based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry is heavier in both aspects. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more forceful switch overall. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a medium weight feel. The NovelKeys Blueberry would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for typing, while the Akko Penguin would be better for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is 4.0mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In this case, the Blueberry switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Penguin switch. The Blueberry switch may provide a more traditional key press feel with its 4.0mm travel distance, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch with its 3.3mm travel distance may provide a slightly faster response time and feel more responsive, which might be preferred by some gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a deeper tone that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, making it a quieter option for office settings or shared spaces. Both switches prioritize minimizing noise, but the Blueberry switch leans towards a lower pitch, while the Penguin switch aims for a more subtle and gentle typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch boasts a snappy, buttery, invigorating, and slightly stiff typing feel, offering a sharp tactile bump and a responsive experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch provides a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel, with a smooth and gentle keystroke that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. While the Blueberry switch focuses on a more dynamic and firm typing experience, the Penguin switch aims for a softer and more approachable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch and the Akko Penguin switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper tactile bump and a slightly stiffer typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Blueberry switch is a compelling choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a softer and more neutral feel, the Penguin switch is a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-pitched, resonant sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted, neutral sound profile, the Akko Penguin could be more suitable, especially for office settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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