Outemu Purple vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and the Akko Penguin both belong to the tactile switch category, yet they cater to different preferences and environments. The Outemu Purple is often praised for its unique tactile feedback, offering a distinct typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish; however, it lacks a specific standout feature that makes it exceptional. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed with a focus on quiet operation, marking Akko's entry into silent tactile switches. With a well-rounded tactile bump, the Penguins deliver satisfying feedback while keeping noise levels to a minimum, making them perfect for office settings where discretion is paramount. These switches are medium-weight, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, while both the Outemu Purple and Akko Penguin cater to tactile switch lovers, they do so in unique ways that may suit different user 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

Outemu Purple Tactile

Akko Penguin Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Akko Penguin, one observes a notable contrast particularly in their top housings. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to the material's rigidity. This stiffer plastic resonates effectively, allowing for clear sound quality, especially when RGB lighting is utilized due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin sports a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound better, resulting in a softer, duller auditory experience. Thus, while the Outemu Purple is characterized by brightness and clarity in its sound, the Akko Penguin delivers a warmer and rounder tone.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Outemu Purple and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon, providing a consistent auditory experience in this aspect. Nylon is a traditional switch housing material that contributes to a finished typing sound that is deeper and richer due to its sound-absorbing properties. This means that the bottom housing for both switches will elicit similar sound qualities when pressed down, reinforcing their overall depth and fullness in auditory feedback. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a commonality in the sound produced when the keys are bottomed out, creating continuity in user experience.

The interaction between the different housing materials in each switch leads to a unique typing experience. The Outemu Purple, with its polycarbonate top that shines bright visually and in sound attributes, pairs interestingly with the nylon bottom to provide a well-balanced sound that is both sharp and deep. Conversely, the Akko Penguin’s all-nylon construction may yield a more consistent auditory feel but lacks the pronounced brightness from the polycarbonate top. The result is that users may find the Outemu Purple more suited for fast-paced typing with its clear auditory response, while the Akko Penguin might appeal to those who prefer a softer touch and sound. Overall, while the switches share the nylon material in the bottom, their distinct top housings lead to clear differences in overall performance and auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Outemu Purple requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it heavier than the Akko Penguin, which has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter switch may prefer the Penguin, as it allows for easier typing and potentially longer usage periods without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Akko Penguin has a measured force of 60 grams, but the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unavailable, leaving a gap in our comparison. Consequently, the Penguin offers a more complete specification with both forces identified, which might indicate a more substantial typing experience when bottoming out. Overall, the Outemu Purple is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, while the Penguin's lighter actuation force may appeal to those seeking comfort in prolonged typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, considered more traditional and providing a deeper feel, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, which may cater to those who favor a quicker, more responsive keystroke—especially beneficial for gaming. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers a hearty depth, the Outemu Purple is the better choice, while the Akko Penguin is ideal for those seeking rapid response times with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Purple and Akko Penguin switches, it's clear that the Penguin switch is designed with noise reduction in mind. The Penguin is characterized as muted, producing a softer sound that is ideal for environments where quiet operation is essential, such as offices. It also maintains a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings. In contrast, the Outemu Purple's sound qualities remain unspecified, which leaves an unknown gap in direct comparison. However, if you’re looking for a quieter option, the Penguin is the clear frontrunner.

In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switches excel with their polished finish and mild characteristics, providing a smooth, refined typing experience that minimizes friction. This creates an overall gentleness that is gentle on the fingers during prolonged use. The Penguins' feathery and subtle qualities allow for comfortable typing, enhancing user experience with light actuation and gentle resistance. Once again, the specifics of the Outemu Purple's feel are not described, making it difficult to draw specific comparisons. However, the smoothness and gentleness of the Penguin stand out as key attributes for those who prioritize a comfortable tactile experience.

In conclusion, while the Akko Penguin switches shine with their noise-minimizing design and smooth typing feel, the Outemu Purple switch lacks clear descriptions, making it challenging to distinguish their qualities fully. The Penguins’ medium-weight, polished, and mild characteristics cater well to office environments and long typing sessions, while the sound aspects of the Purple remain a blank slate. For those seeking a quiet, comfortable switch, the Akko Penguin is likely the better choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize quiet operation and a smooth typing experience, particularly in shared or office spaces, the Akko Penguin is an excellent fit. Its 60g bottom-out force provides a balanced typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long sessions while offering a pronounced yet muted tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch that offers a more unique tactile experience and don’t mind a somewhat louder typing sound, the Outemu Purple may be your go-to option. While detailed characteristics for the Purple are limited, should it have a different tactile bump or actuation feel, it might cater well to users looking for distinct feedback. Therefore, assess your usage scenario—whether you require a softer touch for a quiet environment or seek more pronounced feedback for gaming or personal use—to make the best decision between these two tactile switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more