Akko Penguin vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Akko Penguin is known for its silent tactile experience, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise reduction is important. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches offer a satisfying feedback without causing fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its unique proprietary material blend that provides a smooth and creamy typing experience. Offering a gliding push feel and a deep sound signature, these linear switches are a favorite among typists. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Durock Piano switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Penguin utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile that is unique to this particular blend. While both switches prioritize sound quality, they achieve it through different materials, each providing a distinct typing experience.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Akko Penguin and Durock Piano switches share a common goal of delivering a premium typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Penguin creates a deeper sound profile, while the POM blend top housing of the Piano offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. Both materials aim to enhance the overall sound of the switch, providing users with a more enjoyable typing experience. Although the exact details of the POM blend used in the Piano are undisclosed, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality and user satisfaction through their housing material choices.
In terms of functionality, the characteristics of the housing materials for the Akko Penguin and Durock Piano switches are strategically allocated between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This allocation allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each housing material playing a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Penguin and Piano switches are designed to optimize sound quality and ensure a premium typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Piano's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Penguin is 60 grams, while the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Penguin will require less force to trigger a keystroke, but will have a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed compared to the Piano. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Piano. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, providing a balance between comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, which is shorter than the 4mm travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch. The Penguin offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique benefits, and selecting the one with the preferred travel distance will result in a satisfying typing 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer sound with each key press. While the Penguin focuses on minimizing noise, the Piano accentuates the depth and richness of the sound produced. Keep in mind that the overall sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile response. The light actuation force and reduced friction make it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its frictionless and silky feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort, with the Penguin focusing on a polished and lighter feel while the Piano offers a silky and frictionless typing experience.
Overall, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Penguin excels in providing a muted and polished typing experience with a balanced tactile feedback, making it suitable for quiet office environments. On the other hand, the Piano stands out with its bassy sound signature and frictionless, silky feel, enhancing the typing experience with a deep and smooth key press. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Akko Penguin and Durock Piano switches will depend on your individual typing style and the environment in which you plan to use them.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the environment and typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for office settings and enjoy a rounded tactile bump, the Akko Penguin switch with its medium bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a deep, bassy sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and intended usage. Choose wisely and enjoy the unique typing experience each switch has to offer.
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