Akko Penguin vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Akko Penguin and the KTT Pine. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch, perfect for those who value a silent typing experience in office environments. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches offer a satisfying feedback while remaining quiet and comfortable for prolonged use. In contrast, the KTT Pine is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth feel and effortless typing experience. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction for smooth key travel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko Penguin and the KTT Pine have contrasting housing materials, with the Penguin featuring nylon top and bottom housings, while the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both. The nylon top housing of the Penguin creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness, delivering a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their respective housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Akko Penguin's nylon housing continues to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors its top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches maintain consistency in sound quality throughout their housing materials. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is evident in both switches, demonstrating how the choice of material can influence the typing experience.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Akko Penguin and the KTT Pine results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Nylon housing of the Penguin offers a softer and more absorbing sound experience, while the Pine's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each material plays a vital role in shaping the overall typing experience, making the choice between nylon and polycarbonate an essential factor for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific sound characteristics.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the Penguin being slightly lighter. The Penguin requires a force of 43 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Pine needs 45 grams to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of force required. When it comes to weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Penguin for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier Pine switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much force is preferred for typing.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Pine's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and deliberate feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive keypress or a longer, more deliberate one. Both switches offer unique advantages, but the Penguin and Pine cater to different preferences 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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 it comes to sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for environments where noise needs to be minimized. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Penguin being quieter and the Pine offering a more immersive sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. These qualities make the Penguin switches comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with lubricated finishes for effortless typing. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with subtle differences in feel, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for tactile feedback.
Overall, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Penguin switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, ideal for office environments and prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a more immersive sound profile and buttery smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall typing feel. Depending on whether the user prioritizes sound minimization or a richer sound profile, they can choose between the Akko Penguin and KTT Pine switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet tactile switch that is ideal for office environments and offers a satisfying feedback without causing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch that provides an effortless typing experience with a buttery and creamy feel, the KTT Pine linear switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences for noise level, typing experience, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both the Akko Penguin and KTT Pine switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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