KTT Orange vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Orange, a linear switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch. The KTT Orange Switches are known for their bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With a long spring and excellent factory-lubing, these switches offer a smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed for silent tactile feedback, making them ideal for office environments. They feature a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without causing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. While the Orange switch emphasizes bounciness and smoothness, the Penguin switch focuses on quietness and tactile feedback. 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
46g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and the Akko Penguin both feature unique housing materials that influence the sound profile of the switches. The Orange uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize a clean and precise typing experience. In contrast, the Penguin employs nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a more muffled typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Orange and the Akko Penguin, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Orange creates a bright and clear sound, while the nylon top housing of the Penguin produces a deeper and more resonant sound. This distinction in sound quality is further emphasized by the bottom housing material, with the stiffer polycarbonate enhancing the bottom-out sound of the Orange and the softer nylon affecting the overall typing feel of the Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Akko Penguin play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Orange create a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon housing of the Penguin produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials, with the Orange appealing to users who prefer a clearer sound profile and the Penguin catering to those who enjoy a deeper and more muffled sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide quality typing experiences that showcase the impact of housing materials on overall sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Orange switch is lighter in both categories. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Penguin switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, with the Penguin switch requiring slightly less force to actuate but more force to bottom out compared to the Orange switch. This difference in force can impact the typing experience, with the lighter Orange switch being more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier Penguin switch may appeal to users looking for a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Orange switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin switch. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the slight difference in distance may be noticeable to some users. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Orange switch may be the better choice due to its slightly longer travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more abrupt feel, the Penguin switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch produces a muted sound, quieter than regular switches, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin switch also has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and users. Both switches will offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Orange giving a lower-pitched sound and the Penguin offering a softer, quieter sound.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel minimizing resistance. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished and mild feel, with smoother key travel thanks to factory lubing. Additionally, the Penguin switch is described as feathery, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing feel, with the Orange emphasizing bounce and smoothness, while the Penguin focuses on a polished and gentle typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch each have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Orange switch excels in providing a bouncy and low-pitched typing experience, while the Penguin switch stands out for its muted and tactile feel with a balanced actuation force. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches offer unique advantages that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prioritize a bouncier feel with low-pitched sound or a polished feel with muted sound, both the KTT Orange and Akko Penguin switches deliver quality performance for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you value a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a polished and muted tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the Akko Penguin switch could be more suited to your preferences, especially in office environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and environments, so it's important to choose based on what best fits your desired typing experience.
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