Bsun Olive vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Olive and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Bsun Olive switches are renowned for their resonant and deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback due to the unique design and long pole stem. This results in a satisfying tactile and auditory experience during use, making them ideal for users who enjoy a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches offer a silent tactile option, making them perfect for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and a quiet profile, these switches provide a satisfying feedback while maintaining a low noise level. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Akko Penguin switches both offer unique sound profiles that lean towards the deeper end of the spectrum. The POM top housing of the Olive produces a relatively muted sound, while the nylon top housing of the Penguin creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. This difference in sound profile can affect the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound when typing on their keyboard.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the POM bottom housing of the Olive and the nylon bottom housing of the Penguin contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Olive creates a deep and pleasing sound, similar to the nylon bottom housing of the Penguin. However, the specific qualities of each material may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel when typing on the switches. Users may find that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel of bottoming out keys, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the POM and nylon housing materials used in the Bsun Olive and Akko Penguin switches offer similar deep sound profiles, the specific qualities of each material may lead to nuanced differences in sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon may provide a fuller and rounder sound compared to the relatively more muted sound of POM. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch's 43 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Olive requires 65 grams while the Penguin only needs 60 grams. This means that the Olive switch is slightly heavier overall in both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Penguin switch may be the better choice as it requires less force to press down. However, for those who like a more substantial typing feel, the Olive switch would be the preferred option. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive 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 fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable in practical use, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference, with the Olive offering a slightly deeper press and the Penguin providing a slightly quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Olive switch is best known for delivering a resonant, deep sound that is distinctively satisfying during use. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is recognized for its muted sound profile, which minimizes noise and makes it an excellent choice for office environments. While the Olive switch provides a more pronounced and resonant auditory experience, the Penguin switch offers a quieter and more subdued sound, catering to different preferences for keyboard noise levels.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a tactile sensation that is immersive and satisfying. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle and light touch. These differences in tactile feedback between the two switches cater to varying preferences in terms of tactility intensity and keypress feel.
Overall, the Bsun Olive switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile feedback and a resonant sound profile, ideal for users who appreciate a tactile typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience with a more subdued tactile feedback, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more muted sound and a smoother keypress feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Olive tactile switches or the Akko Penguin tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference in tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a pronounced tactile feedback and a resonant, deep sound, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Bsun Olive switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a gentle and rounded tactile bump, along with a medium bottom out force, then the Akko Penguin switches would be the better option, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Whichever switch you choose, both the Bsun Olive and Akko Penguin offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, make your decision based on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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