Akko Penguin vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and the KTT Phalaenopsis both stand out as excellent choices for users seeking a tactile typing experience. The Penguin switches from Akko offer a silent tactile experience, perfect for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches from KTT feature a light actuation force of 37g, minimizing finger fatigue even during long typing sessions. The 50g tactile force provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke. While the Penguin switches are categorized as polished, muted, and mild, the Phalaenopsis switches are described as bassy, stepped, and thocky. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and KTT Phalaenopsis switches differ in terms of sound profile and material properties. The Penguin's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. The aesthetic difference is also notable, with the translucent polycarbonate being suitable for RGB lighting setups.
While the Akko Penguin and KTT Phalaenopsis switches both feature different top and bottom housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles and characteristics based on the properties of nylon and polycarbonate. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when keys are released. Despite the differences in material and resulting sound profiles, both switches are designed to enhance the user's typing experience with distinct tactile feedback and sound variations.
Overall, the choice between the Akko Penguin and KTT Phalaenopsis switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The nylon and polycarbonate housing materials offer contrasting experiences, with the softer nature of nylon providing a deeper sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate. Whether one prefers a duller, rounder sound or a clearer, more resonant sound, both switches are designed to cater to different typing preferences. In essence, the housing materials of these switches showcase the diversity in switch customization and highlight the importance of material selection in achieving desired typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we can see differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Penguin has a higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akko Penguin requires 60 grams, while the KTT Phalaenopsis only needs 50 grams. This means that the Akko Penguin provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier feel while typing.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is clear that the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm while the Phalaenopsis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin's 3.3 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those who prioritize quick responsiveness, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis's 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth and feedback when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile sensations due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. While the Penguin is shorter and the Phalaenopsis is longer, each offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it's evident that the Penguin offers a muted and neutral sound experience, perfect for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch provides a more bassy and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer auditory feedback during typing. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the environment in which they will be used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Penguin is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. This ensures comfortable typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is noted for its stepped feel, offering a tactile experience that feels more mild compared to switches with a more pronounced tactile bump. This allows for easy typing with minimized finger strain during prolonged use.
In conclusion, both the Akko Penguin and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Penguin is best suited for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a balanced tactile bump, while the Phalaenopsis caters to individuals looking for a deeper sound profile and a more mild tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the intended usage environment. With both switches, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you work in an office environment where noise reduction is paramount, the Akko Penguin switch with its medium weight and muted sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a beautiful aesthetic, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch with its light bottom out force and stepped tactile feel could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to choose based on what matters most to you in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience.
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