Akko Penguin vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Penguin is renowned for its silent tactile feedback, making it a great option for quiet office environments where noise reduction is crucial. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum offers a hefty feel without a large tactile bump, setting it apart from many other tactile switches in the market. The sound profile is neutral and enjoyable, providing a different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Kailh Plum, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material means that when typing on switches from either the Penguin or the Plum, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of sound production and overall typing feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing, there is a clear distinction between the two switches. The Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Plum features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer compared to nylon, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for users.
The differences in top housing material between the Akko Penguin and the Kailh Plum highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound quality and typing experience. The Penguin's nylon top housing offers a softer and rounder sound, while the Plum's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, the selection of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience for users of these mechanical switches.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Plum switch has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Penguin switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Plum switch requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Penguin switch. In terms of weight, the Penguin switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Plum switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger, more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy tactile experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Plum switch offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Penguin switch. The Penguin switch may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Plum switch may be more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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, both the Akko Penguin and the Kailh Plum switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and purposes. The Penguin switch is known for its muted sound, providing a quieter typing experience ideal for office settings where noise needs to be minimized. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a neutral sound without being too loud or too quiet, making it a versatile option for different users. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, with a rounded tactile bump providing a satisfying feedback without being too pronounced. This makes it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions, striking a good balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch provides a mild and stepped tactile feel, offering a unique typing experience where the weightiness of the switch does not necessarily correlate with a prominent tactile bump. This makes it stand out among other tactile switches and may appeal to users looking for a different tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Akko Penguin and Kailh Plum switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Penguin switch excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, the Plum switch stands out with its stepped tactile feel and neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between these two switches to find the one that best suits their requirements. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for those looking for tactile switches with different characteristics.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quieter switch for an office setting or shared space, the Akko Penguin with its muted sound profile and balanced tactile bump may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a unique feel and a more pronounced keystroke, the Kailh Plum could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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