Outemu Blue Jade vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their key characteristics. The Blue Jade is celebrated for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy auditory and sensory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out for its silent tactile nature, perfect for office settings where noise reduction is essential. The Penguin switch offers a gentle tactile bump with minimal noise, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing disturbance. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Akko Penguin switches are both made of nylon, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound overall. As a result, both switches produce a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate.
While both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, the division of qualities between the top and bottom can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of the switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, giving the user a tactile response when pressing down on the key. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key, adding to the overall typing experience and creating a well-rounded auditory feedback for the user.
Overall, the use of nylon housing in both the Outemu Blue Jade and Akko Penguin switches provides a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users seeking a satisfying auditory feedback. Whether it be the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound or the top housing influencing the sound on key release, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience that many enthusiasts can appreciate.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Blue Jade at 65 grams and the Penguin at 60 grams. The Blue Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Penguin provides a lighter actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. The Blue Jade, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, which is favored by many gamers for its speed and agility. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize a deeper press or a faster response. Both switches offer unique benefits, and selecting one over the other will result in different typing experiences.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying clicky sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is recognized for its muted sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, especially in office environments where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and the setting in which the keyboard will be used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offers a tactile and satisfying typing experience with its strong tactile bump and audible feedback. In comparison, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a smooth and gentle typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, offering a more subtle feedback while still maintaining a satisfying feel. The Penguin switch also boasts a polished finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a softer touch and minimal finger fatigue, the Akko Penguin would be an excellent choice.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade switch is best known for its loud and clicky sound with a strong tactile bump, the Penguin switch stands out for its muted sound profile, rounded tactile bump, and polished finish for a smoother typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced typing experience or a quieter, gentler feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a loud, clicky sound, then the Blue Jade might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, a soft tactile bump, and a smoother key travel, the Akko Penguin switch would be the more suitable choice, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it is essential to assess what factors are most important to you before making your decision.
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