Outemu Ocean vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, and the Akko Penguin, also a tactile switch. The Ocean switch is known for its sleek design and smooth keystrokes, falling under the category of tactile switches. On the other hand, the Penguin switches from Akko are famous for their silent tactile feedback, making them perfect for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguins offer a satisfying typing experience without causing fatigue, ideal for prolonged use. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences; however, let's delve further beyond these general characteristics to help you determine the best switch for your particular requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the Outemu Ocean and Akko Penguin switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Ocean utilizes polycarbonate while the Penguin features nylon. The Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing of both the Outemu Ocean and Akko Penguin switches play a significant role. The nylon bottom housing for both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, adding to the overall typing experience.
While the Ocean and Penguin switches share a similar bottom housing material, their top housing materials provide distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean creates a clearer and resonant sound, perfect for users interested in RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Penguin absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Ocean switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke, providing a slightly firmer typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akko Penguin switch is heavier with a force of 60 grams compared to the Ocean switch where the force is unknown. This indicates that the Penguin switch would provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Akko Penguin switch, while those who prefer a heavier typing experience may opt for the Outemu Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Ocean has a longer travel distance of 4mm compared to the Penguin's 3.3 mm. The Ocean switch offers a more traditional and deeper key press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Penguin switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can cater to gamers or those seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the Ocean switch will provide a deeper key press compared to the slightly shallower press of the Penguin switch. Overall, with the Ocean offering a longer travel distance and the Penguin offering a slightly shorter distance, users can expect slightly varied experiences in terms of key press depth when using these switches.
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 Ocean 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 Ocean and Akko Penguin tactile switches offer different experiences. The Ocean switch's sound characteristics are unknown, while the Penguin switch is known for its muted sound profile. The muted sound of the Penguin switch is softer and quieter than a regular mechanical keyboard switch, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is important. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Ocean's qualities are not described, while the Akko Penguin switch is known for its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel. This indicates that the Penguin switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the switch provides a gentle typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions like gaming or work. The switch's subtle resistance and quiet sound signature also make it suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch are unknown, the Akko Penguin tactile switch stands out for its quiet and muted sound profile, as well as its polished and gentle feel. Both switches offer a tactile bump for satisfying feedback with each press, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet typing experience ideal for office settings while maintaining a balance between responsiveness and comfort for prolonged typing sessions, the Akko Penguin tactile switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an undefined bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Outemu Ocean tactile switches could be the perfect fit. Consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch would best suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it's important to choose based on your personal preferences and requirements.
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