Outemu Blue vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Outemu Blue is best known for its loud click sound, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out for its silent tactile characteristics, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise reduction is essential. While the Blue switch provides a more aggressive typing experience, the Penguin switch features a rounded tactile bump for a more subtle 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Akko Penguin differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, while the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound because nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound. This contrast in material properties leads to a distinct sound experience for each switch, catering to different preferences in typing feedback.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches shares the same material, nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, the top housing differences between the Blue and the Penguin still play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of each switch.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Blue and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of polycarbonate for the Blue's top housing and nylon for the Penguin's top housing significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Blue creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softness of nylon in the Penguin produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the right switch for their desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is apparent that the Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams. This means that the Penguin requires less force to trigger a keystroke, which could be preferred by users who desire a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Blue switch does not specify a bottom out force, while the Penguin has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a heavier actuation force, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a lighter touch with a defined bottom out force, giving users the option to choose based on their preference for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue switch offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Penguin switch provides a slightly shorter distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may opt for the Penguin switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky typing experience, which may not be suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for office settings where noise reduction is important. The Penguin switch provides a softer and quieter typing sound, contributing to a more peaceful working environment. While individual preferences may vary, those who prioritize noise minimization may find the Penguin switch more appealing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a tactile bump with a clicky feedback, providing a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing feel. The Penguin switch also has a mild and subtle tactile bump, creating a comfortable typing experience that may appeal to a wider range of users. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force and smoother key travel, the Penguin switch may be a more suitable choice.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch provides a loud and clicky typing sound with a more pronounced tactile bump, the Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience with a smoother, more polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. With the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, users can expect different but equally satisfying results based on their unique preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue clicky switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is important to assess your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a clicky and tactile typing experience with no bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile bump, the Outemu Blue switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a rounded tactile bump, the Akko Penguin switch would be a suitable choice, especially for office environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style, noise sensitivity, and preference for tactile feedback.
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