Haimu Orange Sea vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko Penguin offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea, known for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, caters to those who favor a linear switch that provides an uninterrupted keystroke experience. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their input. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, with its unique position as a silent tactile switch, is perfect for office environments where noise minimization is essential. It features a rounded tactile bump that delivers satisfying feedback with every press while maintaining a muted profile, making it ideal for long typing sessions without the distraction of loud clicks. Both switches have their merits: the Orange Sea for those who seek seamlessness and the Penguin for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the noise. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko Penguin both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which yields a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller resonance. The flexibility and sound-absorbing properties of nylon allow for a softer bottom-out experience, giving both switches a duller and rounder acoustic quality. This shared bottom housing material means that regardless of the top housing differences, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback stemming from the bottom of the switch.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the two switches are markedly different, with the Orange Sea featuring a polycarbonate top and the Penguin using nylon. The polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea is notable for its ability to produce brighter and crisper sound profiles due to its stiffer structure, facilitating a sharper attack upon keypress release. This contrasts sharply with the Penguin's nylon top, which contributes to a mellower sound given its inherent sound-absorbing characteristics. As a result, when typing on the Orange Sea, the auditory experience is defined by the clarity and resonance of the polycarbonate, while the Penguin offers a softer and more muted sound from the top housing.
This disparity between the top housing materials illustrates how the overall typing experience can differ between the two switches. The impact of the switch sound and feel is chiefly dictated by the combination of both top and bottom housings. In the case of the Orange Sea, the clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate top merges with the fuller tones of the nylon bottom, creating a balanced auditory experience that is lively yet grounded. Conversely, the Penguin's nylon top and bottom create a seamless acoustic profile that leans more towards a rounded, cohesive sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound quality and tactile feedback, as each exhibits unique characteristics driven by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, whereas the Penguin requires a heavier 43 grams to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange Sea again demonstrates a lighter feel at 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. These differences suggest that the Orange Sea may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Akko Penguin, with its heavier forces, might appeal more to those who enjoy a substantial push feel and a more tactile typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch experience, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice, whereas the Akko Penguin provides a heftier option for those who favor stronger feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Penguin offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Orange Sea provides a deeper press, which can feel more substantial and satisfying for those who prefer a certain heft when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Penguin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and the ability to register keystrokes with less finger movement. Therefore, if you value a more rapid activation and a lighter touch, the Akko Penguin would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more conventional feel with greater travel depth, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better option. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance cater to diverse typing preferences and gaming styles.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option that fits well in various settings, whether at home or work. This neutral characteristic suggests that the switch has a moderate actuation force requirement, resulting in a sound that is neither overly loud nor completely silent. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is specifically designed as a silent tactile option, featuring a muted sound profile that significantly minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Penguin an especially ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as offices. While the Orange Sea is more balanced, opting for the Penguin will result in a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the mechanical feel.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is recognized for its impeccably smooth typing experience. This quality indicates a refined switch that can minimize friction, providing a satisfying response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch offers a well-rounded tactile bump that delivers satisfying feedback while maintaining a general polish and smoothness. The Penguin switches are described with mild, feathery, and subtle characteristics, suggesting that they provide a gentle resistance without requiring excessive effort to press down. This lightweight operation could help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, while the Orange Sea focuses on smoothness, the Penguin balances tactile feedback with a gentler touch.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Akko Penguin switches cater to different preferences. The Orange Sea is ideal for users who prioritize a smooth and neutral typing experience, making it suitable for various applications, while the Penguin excels in noise-sensitive environments with its muted profile and satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual needs: for a smoother, more versatile experience, one might lean towards the Orange Sea, whereas those who require discretion without sacrificing tactile engagement would benefit from the Akko Penguin.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch should be guided by your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience, the Orange Sea is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy the sensation of seamless key presses with minimal resistance. Its lightweight actuation force makes it a fantastic choice for gaming or long typing sessions where reduced finger fatigue is a concern. However, if you often find yourself in shared spaces, such as offices or libraries, the Akko Penguin would be more suitable. With its medium actuation force and muted sound profile, the Penguin offers a satisfying tactile feedback without the distraction of noise. It strikes a balance that keeps your typing experience enjoyable while being considerate of those around you. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs, so consider your typing style and environment to make the best choice for yourself.
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