Outemu Cream Pink vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options to compare are the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The Cream Pink is known for its smooth and consistent feel, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Penguin switches from Akko are celebrated for their silent tactile feedback, making them ideal for office environments where noise reduction is essential. The Cream Pink offers a straightforward linear experience, while the Penguin switches provide a subtle yet satisfying tactile bump with each press. 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
2.00 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
Both the Outemu Cream Pink and Akko Penguin switches use nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a rounder and duller sound overall. This similarity in housing materials ensures that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
One key difference between the Cream Pink and Penguin switches lies in the overall design and aesthetics. While both switches use nylon for their housing materials, the Cream Pink features a more neutral color palette with its cream and pink tones, giving it a softer and more understated appearance. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch features a more vibrant and playful design with its penguin-themed color scheme, adding a touch of personality to the switch. This difference in design allows users to choose a switch that not only performs well but also aligns with their personal style preferences.
Another aspect to consider when comparing these switches is the overall typing experience they offer. While both switches use nylon for their housing materials, the Cream Pink may have a slightly different feel in terms of bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Akko Penguin due to potential variations in the design of the switch itself. However, the similarity in housing materials ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel when using either of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Cream Pink is the heavier option. The Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Cream Pink requires more force to register a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Penguin. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cream Pink, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Penguin more appealing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Cream Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter travel distance is ideal for gamers or those who prioritize quick response times. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Cream Pink providing a more traditional key press feel and the Penguin catering to those who prefer a shallower actuation point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a longer or shorter travel distance for your typing or gaming 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 Pink 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 Pink linear switch is known for being quiet and smooth with a lack of defined characteristics. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is specifically designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for office settings where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments depending on additional factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cream Pink switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, so it may be considered a standard linear switch in terms of typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it is noted to be mild and feathery, providing a gentle and light typing experience that is comfortable for prolonged use.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and Akko Penguin tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience. The Cream Pink excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Penguin stands out for its muted, polished, and gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should opt for the Cream Pink if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not specifically looking for a tactile bump. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch would be the better choice if you prioritize a silent typing experience with a tactile bump for feedback, especially in noise-sensitive environments like offices. Additionally, the Penguin switch offers a smoother and quieter typing experience overall. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and the intended usage of your mechanical keyboard.
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