Outemu Gold vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and the Akko Penguin offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Outemu Gold switch is a clicky switch, known for its crisp audible feedback upon actuation. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is a tactile switch, designed for a quieter typing experience with a smooth tactile bump. The Gold switch is best suited for users who enjoy the satisfying click sound with each key press, while the Penguin switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience, perfect for office environments. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and Akko Penguin switches, it is clear that they both offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Penguin's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Gold offering a more clear and resonant sound and the Penguin providing a duller and rounder sound.
When looking at the bottom housing materials of the Gold and Penguin switches, both use nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent sound profile when pressing down on the keys, regardless of whether they are using the Gold or Penguin switches. This consistency in sound can be important for users who are looking for a specific typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and Akko Penguin switches differ in terms of their top housing, they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This ensures that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. However, the choice between the Gold's polycarbonate top housing and the Penguin's nylon top housing will ultimately come down to personal preference and the desired sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have similar actuation forces, with the Gold requiring 45 grams and the Penguin requiring 43 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered to be medium. This means that in terms of weight, both switches offer a similar typing experience. The difference between the two lies in the tactile feedback and clickiness they provide. The Gold switch is a clicky switch, offering a satisfying click sound with each keystroke, while the Penguin switch is a tactile switch, providing a bump in the middle of the keystroke for a more pronounced tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a clicky or tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional feel compared to the Penguin switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Penguin switch. However, those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience may lean towards the Outemu Gold switch for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound profile, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy the audible feedback of a mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is designed to produce a muted sound, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience while still providing a subtle tactile feedback with each key press, offering a more discreet option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Gold switch is known for its tactile and clicky feel, providing a satisfying feedback and responsiveness with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, with smooth key travel and a gentle tactile bump that falls on the lighter side in terms of actuation force. This makes the Penguin switch comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is best suited for those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience with a satisfying click sound, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch is more geared towards users who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience with a smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a louder, clickier typing experience or a quieter, more refined typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels, the Gold may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a silent tactile switch with a rounded tactile bump, medium weight, and a polished, mild, feathery, or subtle feel, the Akko Penguin switch would be ideal, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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