Outemu Peach vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Peach and the Akko Penguin offer distinct experiences suited to different user preferences. The Outemu Peach, a linear switch, is renowned for its lightweight and silenced design, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a soft and featherlight typing experience without auditory distractions. Its characteristics of being neutral, mild, muted, and subtle create a polished feel that is perfect for those who seek efficiency in a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that stands out for its rounded tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback with every keystroke while ensuring minimal noise—a great benefit for office settings where silence is valued. With a medium weight, these switches afford a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for lengthy typing sessions without causing strain. While both switches cater to different typing preferences and environments, the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize the smoothness of linear feedback or the satisfying feel of tactile response. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Peach and Akko Penguin keyboards both feature nylon as their switch housing material, which plays a significant role in their overall sound and feel. Nylon is widely recognized as a classic choice for switch construction due to its softer nature compared to other plastics. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder auditory experience during typing. Because both the Peach and Penguin utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect similar auditory characteristics in terms of sound quality when typing on either keyboard.
While both keyboards use nylon for their switch housings, the similarities extend beyond just material choice; the impact of the housing on the typing experience is also closely aligned. As both keyboards are equipped with nylon top and bottom housings, they will exhibit similar sound profiles when the keys are pressed. When typing on these switches, the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the tactile experience. Similarly, the top housing affects the sound of the release, ensuring that users enjoy a consistent auditory feedback loop, regardless of the specific model they choose.
Despite the shared housing material, there could still be subtle differences in the overall performance due to other design factors not listed in the provided information. For instance, variations in spring tension or keycap design can lead to different tactile sensations that might affect user preference between the two keyboards. Nevertheless, with both the Outemu Peach and Akko Penguin using nylon throughout their housings, users can anticipate a very similar sound profile and a comparable tactile experience when typing. This commonality offers versatility for typists and gamers alike, allowing them to select a preference based on aesthetics or brand loyalty rather than a significant difference in typing feel or sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Peach linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Peach switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Penguin switch has slightly heavier specifications, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This increased resistance offers a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel when pressing keys. Thus, while both switches offer distinct advantages based on user preference, the Outemu Peach is the lighter option, making it suitable for those who prioritize ease of use over long durations, whereas the Akko Penguin provides a more robust tactile experience for enthusiasts who enjoy the sensation of more resistance during typing.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Peach linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.3 mm, meaning that when pressing down on a key, users will experience identical travel distances with both switches. This similarity leads to a comparable physical feedback when typing or gaming, as the distance from the top to the bottom of the switch is equal in both cases. As a result, users can expect a consistent keystroke experience, whether they choose the linear Peach or the tactile Penguin switch.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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, both the Outemu Peach and Akko Penguin switches are characterized as muted, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes them suitable for environments where noise reduction is essential, such as offices or shared spaces. Both switches also have a neutral audio profile, which strikes a balance that caters to a wide range of users from beginners to advanced typists. Given these similarities, users can expect a gentle auditory experience with either switch, allowing for focused work without the annoying click or clack that can come from more traditional designs.
When it comes to feel, there are distinct nuances between the two. The Outemu Peach offers a mild, subtle typing experience that many find approachable, featuring a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. This switch provides a feather-light touch that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, while the Akko Penguin also boasts a polished finish and mild characteristics, it introduces a tactile bump that enhances user feedback during typing. Its subtle resistance ensures a satisfying yet not intrusive experience, catering to those who appreciate a tactile response without the noise. Thus, while both switches are polished and mild, the Penguin adds a tactile element that differentiates its engagement from the smoother, lighter feel of the Peach.
In conclusion, if you are considering either the Outemu Peach linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you'll find that both options are exceptional for creating a quieter, more pleasant typing experience. The Peach provides that airy lightness ideal for those who prioritize a soft touch, while the Penguin introduces tactile feedback, perfect for typists who enjoy some physical response in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the super-light linear experience of the Peach or the subtly tactile feel of the Penguin, but rest assured, either switch will deliver a refined typing experience suitable for a variety of settings.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Outemu Peach linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch should be guided by your specific needs and typing preferences. If you value a lightweight, smooth, and quiet typing experience, the Outemu Peach switches are an excellent option. Their lower bottom-out force of 50 grams makes them ideal for fast, light typing and reduces fatigue during extended sessions. Moreover, their muted sound profile ensures they are suitable for shared spaces, whether at home or in an office setting. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a balanced actuation force, the Akko Penguin switches offer a satisfying tactile bump while maintaining a quiet typing experience. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, they provide a notable response, making them perfect for those who enjoy tactile satisfaction without excessive noise. Overall, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize a light and silent typing experience or a satisfying tactile feel with a bit more resistance; both options deliver a refined and pleasant typing experience tailored to different preferences.
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