Akko Penguin vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both stand out as top choices in the tactile switch category. The Akko Penguin is renowned for its silent tactile feedback, making it perfect for quiet office environments where noise reduction is crucial. With a balanced medium weight and rounded tactile bump, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is known for its maximum tactility, providing a sharp tactile response and a clean clack with each press. While the Akko Penguin focuses on a more muted and feathery feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) delivers a more resonant and snappy 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
67g
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
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 POM T1 (Sunflower) both offer unique sound profiles in their own right. The Penguin's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM top housing produces a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While they both offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Penguin may provide a slightly richer and fuller sound compared to the POM top housing of the T1.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Penguin's nylon bottom housing and the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM bottom housing contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches as well. The nylon bottom housing of the Penguin enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch, providing a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the T1 offers a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted, complementing the top housing to create a well-rounded sound experience. Both housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches.
Overall, while the Akko Penguin and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they ultimately aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound profile of the nylon housing in the Penguin or the pleasing and unique sound of the POM housing in the T1, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their individual sound profiles, ensuring a satisfying and engaging typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the POM T1's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the POM T1 has a heavier force of 67 grams while the Akko Penguin bottoms out at 60 grams. The Akko Penguin provides a medium typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force, while the POM T1 offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight, with lighter options being better for longer typing sessions and heavier options for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the POM T1, which means that it will require less force to actuate the switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Akko Penguin due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Durock POM T1 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired 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 POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for quiet office environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a resonant and neutral sound profile, providing a sharp and clean clack that is both satisfying and immersive. Depending on personal preference and the specific setup of the keyboard, one may prefer the softer sound of the Penguin or the more resonant sound of the POM T1.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating feel, providing a high feedback intensity and a super responsive typing experience that can be invigorating and engaging. The sharp tactility of the POM T1 may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump, while the smoother feel of the Penguin may be preferred by those looking for a more subtle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Penguin excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience with medium weight and rounded tactile bump, while the POM T1 stands out for its sharp tactility and clean clack, offering a more resonant and invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and medium bottom out force, the Akko Penguin switch is an excellent choice for office environments or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek maximum tactility with a sharp tactile bump, clean clack, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is ideal for those who enjoy a punchy typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value noise minimization and a balanced typing feel (Akko Penguin) or prefer strong tactility and a more pronounced typing experience (Durock POM T1). Consider these factors when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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