Outemu Silent White vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct advantages for different needs. The Silent White switch is known for its silent operation and smooth keystrokes, making it a great choice for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each press while remaining relatively quiet. The medium weight of the Penguin switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 White and the Akko Penguin, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Silent White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. While the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Penguin's nylon top housing is a classic choice known for its sound-enhancing properties.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Silent White and the Penguin feature nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. Whether it's the Silent White or the Penguin, typing on switches that utilize nylon housing material will provide a unique typing experience compared to switches with different housing materials. Therefore, the bottom housing of these switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on these keyboards.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent White and the Akko Penguin may differ in their top housing materials, both switches offer a distinct sound profile thanks to their nylon bottom housing. The Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller tone. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar sound experience, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both the Silent White and the Penguin offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we find that the Silent White has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 43 grams of the Penguin. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of force required for full key press. In terms of weight, the Silent White can be considered slightly heavier due to its higher actuation force, while the Penguin is lighter in this aspect. The actuation force is important for triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much pressure is needed to fully press a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel before the switch actuates. The travel distance for both switches is relatively short compared to other switches on the market, providing a quick and responsive typing experience. Whether you choose the Silent White or the Penguin, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 White 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 White switch remains undefined in terms of its noise level. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is praised for its muted sound profile, making it a great option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The Penguin switch provides a softer and more subdued sound compared to traditional mechanical switches, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks a specific description of its tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Akko Penguin switch is characterized by its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel. These qualities indicate that the Penguin switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and reduced friction, resulting in comfortable extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. This switch strikes a balance between a light actuation force and a satisfying feedback, making it a versatile option for various typing needs.
Taking into account the information provided, the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent White switch lacks specific descriptions in these areas, the Penguin switch is highlighted for its muted sound profile and smooth, gentle tactile feedback. Both switches are suitable for different preferences and environments, with the Silent White potentially providing a different typing experience compared to the Akko Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If noise minimization is a priority, especially in an office setting, the Penguin switches would be the ideal choice with their silent tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch and are not concerned about noise levels, the Silent White switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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