Outemu Cold Plum vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, stands out for its thocky sound profile and nylon construction, providing enthusiasts with a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, offers a silent typing experience with a rounded tactile bump for feedback and medium weight for comfortable extended use. While the Cold Plum excels in delivering a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the Penguin is ideal for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. 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
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko Penguin, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housing. This means that typing on either switch will elicit a deep and full sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches results in a similar typing experience, with a focus on sound quality and a softer feel when pressing down on the keys.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the Cold Plum and Penguin switches may vary in how the top and bottom housing materials affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housing, there may be subtle differences in the sound and feel of typing on each switch, depending on how the housing materials interact with the key press.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko Penguin may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their use of nylon housing materials, but the slight differences in how the top and bottom housing impact the typing experience could be a deciding factor for some users. Ultimately, trying out both switches and comparing them side by side may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cold Plum requires 70 grams while the Penguin requires 60 grams. This makes the Cold Plum switch heavier both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Penguin switch, which is lighter in both aspects. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Outemu Cold Plum switch due to its higher actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, as it determines how far you have to press down to actuate the switch and register a keystroke. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect consistent feedback and feel when typing with either of these switches. This similarity allows for a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use.
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 Cold Plum 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 Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound profile that is both distinct and satisfying, adding a unique auditory experience to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise minimization is essential. Both switches offer a different sound profile, catering to different preferences and needs, with the Cold Plum being more pronounced and the Penguin being more subtle.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience with a focus on tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch provides a polished feel with smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Penguin switch is described as mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a light typing feel that is comfortable for prolonged use without causing finger fatigue. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Cold Plum focusing on tactile feedback and the Penguin offering a smooth and light typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum and Akko Penguin switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing needs. With the Cold Plum switch providing a thocky sound profile and satisfying keystrokes, and the Penguin switch offering a muted sound and polished feel, users can choose based on their preference for sound and tactile feedback. Whether seeking a distinct auditory experience or a quiet typing environment, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the factors of typing experience and noise level. If you prioritize a unique typing feel with a thocky sound profile and medium-heavy key presses, the Cold Plum switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and medium key presses, the Penguin switch is a great option, especially for office environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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