Outemu Milk Tea vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, to the Akko Penguin, also a tactile switch, there are some notable differences to consider. The Milk Tea is best known for its unique feature of tactility, while the Penguin stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it ideal for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. The Milk Tea is best categorized as linear, whereas the Penguin falls into the categories of polished, muted, mild, neutral, feathery, and subtle. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, with the Milk Tea potentially being preferred for gamers, programmers, and typists seeking a satisfying tactile response, and the Penguin being a top choice for those seeking a quiet yet tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
The Outemu Milk Tea and the Akko Penguin both utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Milk Tea's top housing is described as having a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing, while the Penguin's nylon top housing is said to create a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound signatures may appeal to different preferences in users looking for specific typing experiences.
While both switches share the classic switch housing material of nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in sound profiles and characteristics may lie in the design and construction of each switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, influencing the overall typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housing materials in each switch allows for a nuanced and distinct sound profile, catering to the preferences of users seeking a specific typing sound and feel.
In terms of material composition, both the Outemu Milk Tea and the Akko Penguin offer similar qualities in their housing materials. The nylon used in both switches creates a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the top and bottom housings may have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the use of nylon as a housing material ensures a consistent quality in sound and typing experience for users who appreciate the characteristics of this classic material.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has a lower actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Akko Penguin is heavier at 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea is unknown. This means that the Akko Penguin provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Outemu Milk Tea may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Akko Penguin may be favored by users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin, which may result in a slightly deeper key press experience. The Penguin, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being on the longer end and the Penguin being on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for key press depth 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 Milk Tea 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
The Outemu Milk Tea switch is best known for its unique qualities, while the Akko Penguin switch is distinguished by its silent tactile design, making it ideal for quiet office environments. In terms of sound, the Milk Tea switch does not have a specific descriptor, while the Penguin switch is characterized as producing a soft and quiet sound, perfect for minimizing noise. Keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. When it comes to the feel, the Milk Tea switch does not have a specific description, while the Penguin switch is known for its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. This translates to a smooth and refined feel with minimal friction, providing a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use. In conclusion, while both switches offer different qualities, the Milk Tea and Penguin switches provide users with options for satisfying feedback and quiet operation, catering to individual preferences for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience and noise level requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a switch with no bottom out force and specific attributes, the Milk Tea may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a rounded tactile bump and quiet operation, the Penguin may be more suitable, especially for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing requirements.
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