Outemu Red vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Red linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it becomes evident that each has its own unique advantages. The Red switch is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers who require fast response times. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it ideal for office environments where noise minimization is crucial. The Red switch offers a linear typing experience, while the Penguin switch provides a satisfying tactile bump with each press. 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
46g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.10 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 housing materials of the Outemu Red and the Akko Penguin switches offer contrasting qualities that impact the overall sound profile of the switches. The Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. In comparison, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in top housing materials influences the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
On the other hand, both the Red and the Penguin switches share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is consistent between the two switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a rounder and more muffled bottom-out sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of sound and feel when typing. However, the different top housing materials of the Red and the Penguin still lead to distinct sound profiles between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Red and the Akko Penguin switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Red offers a sharper and clearer sound, perfect for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Penguin provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who enjoy a softer and more rounded typing sound. Despite sharing a nylon bottom housing, the differences in top housing material play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. Ultimately, users should consider their sound preferences when deciding between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Outemu Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the 43 grams of the Akko Penguin, making the Red slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches are relatively similar, with the Red requiring 62 grams and the Penguin needing 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, offering a good balance between lightness for extended typing sessions and enough resistance for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance for a switch. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. Shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, especially in gaming, where quick reflexes are crucial. However, some may find the shorter distance of the Penguin switch to be too abrupt, preferring the more substantial feel of the Outemu Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch is typically known for a standard mechanical keyboard sound with a satisfying click. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is praised for its muted sound profile, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is important. The muted sound of the Penguin switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Red switch, which may be more suitable for quiet office settings. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its smooth linear feel, offering a consistent keystroke with no tactile bump. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. The feathery and subtle qualities of the Penguin switch suggest that it requires minimal force to actuate, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort for extended typing sessions. This gentle resistance and light typing feel make the Penguin switch approachable to most users, regardless of typing style or preference.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red switch provides a standard mechanical keyboard sound with a linear feel, while the Penguin switch delivers a muted sound profile and a polished, mild tactile experience. Both switches have their own strengths and are suitable for different preferences and environments. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile bump, the Akko Penguin switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a standard mechanical keyboard sound and a smooth linear feel, the Outemu Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a smooth, linear typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing environment with a satisfying tactile feedback and medium actuation force, the Penguin switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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