Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Outemu Dustproof Black, a linear switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch. The Dustproof Black is known for its smooth keystrokes, lacking the tactile bump found in some switches, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists looking for a consistent feel while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it an ideal option for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin switches offer a satisfying tactile bump with each press, striking a balance between responsiveness and quiet operation. 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
80g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both the Dustproof Black and the Penguin will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out keys.
However, the key difference lies in the top housing material used in these switches. The Dustproof Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast suggests that the Dustproof Black may provide a more distinct and resonant sound compared to the Penguin, which offers a softer and more rounded typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Akko Penguin will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper typing experience with the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Penguin's nylon top housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Regardless of the housing materials used, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Dustproof Black is heavier than the Penguin. The Dustproof Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience compared to the Penguin, which has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Dustproof Black requires more force to actuate and bottom out, while the Penguin offers a lighter touch overall. This means that individuals who prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Dustproof Black, while those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Penguin to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dustproof Black offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for a fast and responsive switch. Both switches offer a different experience based on their travel distances, with the Dustproof Black being the longer option and the Penguin being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Dustproof Black 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 Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a specific descriptor available, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile. This means that the Penguin switch will produce a softer and quieter sound, making it more suitable for office environments where noise reduction is important. The Dustproof Black's sound characteristics may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel. This means that the Penguin switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, gentle key travel, and light actuation force. On the other hand, the feel of the Dustproof Black switch remains unspecified and may depend on personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the Akko Penguin tactile switch stands out for its quiet sound profile and comfortable typing experience with a balanced tactile bump and medium weight. The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, on the other hand, may offer a different typing experience depending on individual preferences. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific use case. If a user enjoys a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Akko Penguin switch would be the preferred choice, while those who prefer linear switches may find the Outemu Dustproof Black to be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should first consider your preference for bottom out force. The Dustproof Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, which could be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. Additionally, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Akko Penguin switch is the way to go due to its muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for office environments. However, if you are looking for a switch with a more rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without being too loud, the Akko Penguin is the way to go as well. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for weight, sound, and feel when typing.
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