Outemu Silent Green vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. The Silent Green is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a great option for gamers and fast typists looking for a reliable switch with minimal noise. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback with each press, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback while typing or gaming. The Penguin switches are also specifically designed to be silent, making them a perfect option for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko Penguin, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The Silent Green's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top and bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile because of the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. While the Silent Green emphasizes clarity and sharpness, the Penguin focuses on depth and fullness in sound.
The aesthetic aspect of the housing materials also differs between the two switches. The polycarbonate material used in the top housing of the Silent Green allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This adds a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the nylon material used in the top housing of the Penguin does not offer this translucency, but instead provides a classic look and feel to the switch. Both switches have their own unique aesthetics based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in appearance.
Despite their differences, both the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko Penguin utilize their housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced combination of qualities in sound and feel when typing on the switches. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key, the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. This division of qualities within the housings ensures that both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with distinct characteristics based on their respective materials.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have similar bottom out forces of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when typing. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Silent Green requires 45 grams while the Penguin only needs 43 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Penguin slightly lighter to press than the Silent Green. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Penguin may be the better option for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Green with its slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches provide a good balance between actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Green. The shorter travel distance of the Akko Penguin may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are often preferred in gaming. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Green may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Silent Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Green switch is known for producing a minimal amount of noise, as the name suggests. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is specifically designed to be muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments where noise reduction is important. Both switches aim to minimize the typical clacky sound associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more pleasant experience for both the user and those around them. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a specific descriptor for its tactile feel. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Additionally, the Penguin switch is classified as mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a gentle typing feel with light actuation force and reduced friction. This combination results in a comfortable typing experience that is suitable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. Ultimately, individuals who prioritize a smooth and light typing feel may prefer the Akko Penguin over the Outemu Silent Green switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Green excels in minimizing noise, the Penguin provides a refined and gentle typing experience ideal for extended use. Both switches cater to different preferences and environments, so it is important to consider factors such as sound preferences, tactile feedback, and typing comfort when choosing between the two. Ultimately, regardless of which switch you choose, both the Outemu Silent Green and Akko Penguin switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Green linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your priorities. If you value a quiet working environment, the Penguin switches are the clear choice with their muted sound profile and tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience without causing disturbance to others. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight linear switch with no specific standout features, the Silent Green may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, consider your environment and personal preference when making your decision between these two switches.
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