Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that they each offer distinct advantages for different preferences and environments. The Silent Yellow switch is best known for its smooth linear action, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking consistent keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile bump without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Penguin switches are ideal for office environments where noise reduction is crucial, thanks to their quiet profile and medium weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort during 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
2.20 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 Yellow and the Akko Penguin, one key difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. On the other hand, the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. While both top housings offer unique sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, we see that both the Silent Yellow and the Penguin feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Despite sharing the same bottom housing material, the switches may still offer distinct typing experiences based on other factors such as stem and spring design. This commonality in bottom housing showcases the preference for nylon in creating a specific sound profile in mechanical switches.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Silent Yellow and the Penguin differ in their choice of materials for the top housing, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a consistent sound characteristic in terms of depth and fullness. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing dictates the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch sound profiles helps enthusiasts choose switches that best suit their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The Silent Yellow requires 65 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier switch overall. On the other hand, the Penguin only needs 43 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option in terms of force required. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Penguin for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Silent Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force required. If someone prefers a lighter overall force, they should opt for the Akko Penguin, while those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent Yellow.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The Silent Yellow's 4 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Silent Yellow offering a bit more depth and the Penguin focusing on quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
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 Yellow 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 Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, as the name suggests. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is designed to provide a muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments such as offices. The Penguin switch offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches, ensuring minimal disruption to those around you. Both switches prioritize reducing noise, but the Penguin switch specifically focuses on achieving a quieter sound profile overall.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have a specific descriptor provided in the information. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Additionally, the Penguin switch is characterized as mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a gentle and comfortable typing feel that is suitable for extended use. The combination of these qualities in the Akko Penguin switch aims to enhance the overall typing experience by reducing friction, minimizing finger fatigue, and maintaining a light actuation force.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both cater to users looking for a quieter mechanical keyboard experience. While the Silent Yellow switch focuses on noise reduction without specific details on feel, the Penguin switch not only delivers a muted sound but also offers a polished and gentle typing feel. Whether you choose the Silent Yellow for its quiet operation or the Penguin for its refined tactile feedback, both switches are suitable options for those seeking a quieter and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you value a heavy bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force, a tactile feedback, and a quiet profile, the Penguin switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and the specific requirements of your workspace.
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