Outemu Dustproof Green vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko Penguin can greatly impact your typing experience. The Dustproof Green switch is best known for its clicky sound and distinct tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy the audible confirmation of each key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it a great option for quiet office environments. This switch offers a more subtle tactile bump while maintaining a quiet profile, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. 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
65g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Both the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
In contrast, the top housings of the Dustproof Green and the Penguin differ, with the Dustproof Green featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Penguin boasting a nylon top housing. The Dustproof Green's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. This difference in top housing material suggests that there will be noticeable variations in sound and feel between the two switches, particularly when pressing down and releasing keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko Penguin plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, the differing top housings introduce distinct qualities to each switch. The Dustproof Green's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes sharpness and clarity in sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, users can expect unique typing experiences from these switches based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see that the Dustproof Green switch is heavier while the Penguin switch is lighter. The Dustproof Green requires an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Penguin switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we find that the Dustproof Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dustproof Green has a slightly longer travel distance than the Penguin, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Green 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is known for its traditional clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, designed to minimize noise in office environments. The Dustproof Green will produce a more pronounced and traditional mechanical keyboard sound, while the Penguin offers a softer and quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Dustproof Green switch's tactile feedback and actuation force are not specified, making it difficult to compare directly with the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The Penguin switch, however, is described as having a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel. This indicates that the Penguin switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle key presses that require little exertion. The Dustproof Green's feel can be assumed to be more standard in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Dustproof Green provides a traditional clicky sound with tactile feedback, while the Penguin offers a softer, more muted sound profile with a polished and gentle typing experience. Whether you prefer a classic clicky sound or a quiet typing experience, both switches cater to different preferences and environments. Depending on your specific needs and preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, in conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier switch with a clicky sound and a more pronounced tactile bump, the Dustproof Green may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter switch with a smoother typing experience and a lighter actuation force, the Akko Penguin switch could be the ideal option, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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