Outemu Green vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Outemu Green and the Akko Penguin. The Outemu Green switch is well-known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy audible and tactile confirmation with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its silent tactile design, making it a great option for office environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The Penguin switches offer a rounded tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience while keeping a quiet profile. While the Outemu Green switch is categorized as clicky, the Akko Penguin switch falls under categories like polished, muted, and subtle. Both switches have their strengths and unique features, suiting different preferences and needs. 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
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
The Outemu Green and Akko Penguin switches both offer unique housing materials that have a significant impact on the overall sound profile of the switches. The Green switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Penguin switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and leads to a duller and rounder sound. These differences in top housing materials result in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Green and Akko Penguin switches use nylon material. This means that typing on either switch will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound absorption qualities of nylon. The relatively softer nature of nylon compared to other plastics contributes to a rounder sound that is less sharp or crisp. While the top housing material may influence the initial key press and release sound, the bottom housing material has a significant impact on the overall typing experience and the sound produced when a key is fully pressed down.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Green and Akko Penguin switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Green switch's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Penguin switch's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Ultimately, users looking for a crisper sound may prefer the Outemu Green, while those seeking a deeper sound may opt for the Akko Penguin.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Green switch is heavier in both aspects. The Outemu Green switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial and forceful typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more moderate typing feel. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Akko Penguin switch would be the more suitable option. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Penguin may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Green with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and how one values responsiveness versus a more substantial key press 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 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 Green clicky switch is known for producing a loud and tactile click with each key press, creating a satisfying and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch offers a tactile bump and audible click, providing a tactile and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished feel with a smooth key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the typing experience. Additionally, the Akko Penguin switch has a mild actuation force, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it suitable for a wide range of users and applications.
Overall, the Outemu Green clicky switch is best suited for those who prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch is an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs, so selecting between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer quality construction and performance that will satisfy users looking for a reliable mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom-out force, noise level, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a clicky sound, the Outemu Green switch with its 80-gram bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter and more refined typing experience with a medium weight switch at 60 grams, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is the way to go. Its rounded tactile bump and quiet profile make it suitable for office environments or for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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