Outemu Brown vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Brown and Akko Penguin both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Outemu Brown switch is well-known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its silent tactile design, making it an excellent choice for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Brown switch is categorized as tactile, the Penguin switch falls under categories like polished, muted, and subtle, indicating a more understated typing experience. The Brown switch may appeal to those seeking a traditional tactile feel, while the Penguin switch is ideal for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
In terms of housing materials, the Outemu Brown and the Akko Penguin switches offer contrasting options. The Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This translates to a more resonant and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Brown and the Akko Penguin switches employ nylon material. This choice maintains a consistent typing experience, where the softer plastic of the nylon absorbs sound and creates a deeper sound profile. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar level of sound absorption and overall typing experience in this aspect.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Akko Penguin enhance the typing experience in different ways. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Brown switch leads to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, while the Penguin's nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Penguin switch's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Brown switch is slightly heavier at 65 grams, while the Penguin switch bottoms out at 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category due to their actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akko Penguin switch, as it requires less force to activate, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Outemu Brown switch with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Penguin the shorter option between the two. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Brown being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Penguin for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Brown 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 Brown tactile switch is known for its lack of a specific descriptor, indicating a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as "Muted," offering a quieter and softer typing experience compared to regular switches. This makes the Penguin switch a great choice for environments where noise reduction is important, such as in an office setting. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have a defined descriptor for its typing feel. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is characterized by descriptors such as "Polished," "Mild," "Feathery," and "Subtle." These descriptors indicate a smooth, gentle, light, and comfortable typing experience with reduced friction, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The Akko Penguin switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them a versatile option for various typing needs.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and Akko Penguin tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Outemu Brown switch provides a more traditional typing experience in sound and feel, while the Akko Penguin switch excels in offering a quieter, softer sound profile and a smoother, gentler typing feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for typing sound and feel. Both switches are suitable for prolonged typing sessions, with the Akko Penguin switches being particularly ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, try both switches to see which one aligns better with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your specific preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch without any specific standout feature, the Brown switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, a lighter bottom out force, and enjoy a rounded tactile bump, then the Akko Penguin switch would be a better fit, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and feel to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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