Outemu Cream Blue vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, notable differences and similarities emerge. The Cream Blue is renowned for its responsiveness, while the Penguin stands out for its quiet tactile design, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive office environments. The Cream Blue provides a satisfying clicky feedback, appealing to those who enjoy audible typing experiences, whereas the Penguin offers a quieter profile with a rounded tactile bump for enhanced typing comfort. Both switches fall under different categories, with the Cream Blue being categorized as clicky, while the Penguin is categorized as tactile. Ultimately, the decision to choose between these switches depends on individual preferences and specific needs. Let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Akko Penguin switches, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality means that typists can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
However, while both switches share nylon as their housing material, the design and construction of the switches may vary. The Outemu Cream Blue and the Akko Penguin may have slight differences in the thickness or shape of their housings, which could impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. These differences may be subtle but can be noticeable to users who are particularly sensitive to typing feedback and sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the Akko Penguin may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. Both switches offer a similar nylon housing that promotes a deep and full sound profile, but slight variations in design and construction could lead to subtle differences in typing feel. Typists who prioritize a specific sound or feel may prefer one switch over the other based on these nuances.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Cream Blue switch requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keypress. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Penguin tactile switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Cream Blue switch has a slightly firmer feel when fully pressing the key down. In terms of weight, the Cream Blue switch is heavier overall in both actuation and bottom out force, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, users looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Akko Penguin switch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin tactile switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cream Blue switch. The Cream Blue switch offers a deeper key press with its 4 mm travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Penguin switch's 3.3 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on the desired key press experience.
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 Cream 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is known for its loud and clicky feedback, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is praised for its muted and quiet sound profile, making it an ideal option for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Cream Blue offers a traditional mechanical click, the Penguin switch provides a softer and more subtle typing sound, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a louder, clicky typing experience or a quieter, more refined feel.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for its tactile feedback and medium actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience suitable for extended use. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and gentle typing feel that is comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. The rounded tactile bump of the Penguin switch contributes to a subtle yet responsive typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue. Whether you prefer a more tactile and medium-weight switch like the Cream Blue, or a smoother and lighter typing experience like the Akko Penguin, both switches offer qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing environments. The Cream Blue excels in providing a loud and clicky typing experience with medium actuation force, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its quiet and refined typing feel, making it a suitable option for office settings or shared spaces. Whether you prefer a traditional clicky switch or a quieter, more subtle typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and Akko Penguin switches will depend on whether you prioritize a louder, more tactile typing experience or a quieter, smoother feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should take into account your environment and typing preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clicky typing experience without much emphasis on sound, the Cream Blue may be the better option for you. However, if you work in a quiet office setting or prefer a more subtle tactile feedback with a medium bottom out force, the Akko Penguin switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and environments, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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