Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it's important to consider their key features and benefits. The Silent Ocean switch is best known for its sleek design and smooth, consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists looking for a straightforward typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it ideal for office environments where noise reduction is essential. The Penguin switch offers a satisfying tactile bump with each press while maintaining a quiet profile, perfect for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Akko Penguin, we can see that they both use different materials for their top housing. The Silent Ocean utilizes polycarbonate, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Penguin opts for a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials have their own unique characteristics that can significantly impact the overall typing experience. However, the choice between a sharper sound profile versus a deeper sound profile ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Silent Ocean and the Penguin make use of nylon material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. This means that typing on either switch will likely result in a more muted and softer sound compared to switches with different bottom housing materials. Despite this similarity, the specific design and construction of each switch may still contribute to slight variations in sound and feel when bottoming out a key.
It is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that even if the Silent Ocean and the Penguin share commonalities in their housing materials, the distribution of these materials within the switch may result in subtle differences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Ocean requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ocean also has a heavier requirement of 65 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. This makes the Silent Ocean switch slightly heavier than the Penguin switch overall. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Silent Ocean offering a more substantial feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Penguin offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Penguin switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches offer a different feel and response due to their unique travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance for your keyboard typing or gaming experience.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is known for its quiet operation as it lacks a tactile bump that could potentially create noise. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is specifically designed to be muted, offering a softer and quieter sound profile compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes the Penguin switch a better choice for environments where noise reduction is important, such as offices or shared workspaces. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch is also influenced by external factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned, making it difficult to compare directly with the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The Penguin switch, however, is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle. This indicates that the Akko Penguin switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle keypress that is comfortable for extended use. The feather-light actuation force of the Penguin switch also reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions like gaming or work.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Silent Ocean switch offers a quiet operation with its linear design, while the Penguin switch focuses on a muted sound profile and comfortable typing feel with its tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, either switch can cater to your specific needs, ensuring a pleasant and efficient typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and are looking for a switch that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and noise minimization, the Akko Penguin switch would be a suitable choice, especially for office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a linear switch without tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch might be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your typing style, environment, and personal preferences. Choose the one that best suits your needs for an optimal typing experience.
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