Outemu Silver vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Outemu Silver and the Akko Penguin. The Outemu Silver is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth keystrokes and absence of tactile feedback, providing a seamless typing experience for those who prefer a consistent feel with each press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that boasts a silent operation, making it perfect for environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a well-rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin switches offer a blend of satisfying feedback and comfort, making them ideal 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Akko Penguin, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Therefore, users of both the Silver and the Penguin can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Silver uses polycarbonate while the Penguin sticks with nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon in the Penguin's top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer and sound-absorbing nature. This contrast in top housing materials may lead to a difference in sound profiles between the two switches, with the Silver offering a sharper sound and the Penguin a deeper sound.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silver and the Akko Penguin may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Silver's polycarbonate top housing will provide a more clear and resonant sound, while the Penguin's nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share the quality of nylon bottom housing, which creates a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, it will be up to the user to decide which sound profile they prefer and which housing material best suits their typing needs.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silver switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. Additionally, the Silver switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Penguin switch has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Silver switch slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces.
When considering weight preferences, the Silver switch may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch with its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more suited for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Outemu Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Akko Penguin's 3.3 mm. The Silver switch falls into the more traditional category of travel distances, while the Penguin switch is on the shallower end. Gamers may prefer the Silver switch for its slightly longer travel distance, as it can provide a more satisfying keystroke with its extra depth. On the other hand, those looking for quicker response times may opt for the Akko Penguin due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silver 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 Silver switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it is likely that it produces a standard mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for being muted and neutral, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. This makes the Penguin switch a better choice for environments where noise reduction is important, such as offices. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned, so it is difficult to provide a comparison. However, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle. This means that the Penguin switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, a gentle typing feel suitable for most users, exceptionally lightweight to press with minimal finger fatigue, and a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended typing sessions in shared spaces.
Overall, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silver switch may provide a standard mechanical keyboard experience in terms of sound and feel, while the Penguin switch stands out for its muted sound profile and polished, gentle typing feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and noise level, with the Silver providing a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel and the Penguin offering a quieter and smoother typing experience. Both switches are suitable for different use cases and can provide a satisfying typing experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: choose the Outemu Silver if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch without specific characteristics. On the other hand, opt for the Akko Penguin if you value a medium bottom out force, enjoy a silent tactile experience for office environments, and appreciate a balance between responsiveness and typing comfort. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and noise level to enhance your overall keyboarding satisfaction.
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