Akko Penguin vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Akko Penguin switches are celebrated for their silent tactile feedback, making them an ideal choice for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. With a medium weight and a rounded tactile bump, these switches provide a satisfying yet muted response, perfect for long typing sessions without the risk of fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are known for their smooth operation and deeper sound, offering a typing experience that marries satisfaction with precision. These switches not only stand out for their performance but also for their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, catering to enthusiasts who prioritize versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Penguin Tactile

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Rice Pudding, one can observe a clear distinction in the properties of their top housings. The Penguin features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which effectively absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhanced by its stiffer nature. The polycarbonate’s translucency not only affects its acoustic properties but also makes it visually appealing, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. This fundamental difference in acoustics between nylon and polycarbonate can lead to contrasting auditory experiences when typing, with the former delivering a warmer sound and the latter providing a more cutting clarity.

While the top housings of both switches produce different sound characteristics, their bottom housings are notably similar, as both the Penguin and the Rice Pudding utilize nylon for this part. This shared material means that regardless of the differing top housings, both switches will offer the same deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb sound contributes significantly to the overall auditory experience each switch delivers. Therefore, while one might expect a different feel between the switches based solely on their top materials, the nylon bottoms ensure a consistent feel and sound signature when key presses are registered.

Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Rice Pudding may come down to personal preference regarding sound and aesthetic appeal. Users may appreciate the warmer, rounder tones produced by the nylon top of the Penguin or prefer the crisp and bright sounds offered by the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding. However, both switches will maintain a coherent performance when it comes to the bottom-out experience, thanks to their nylon bottom housings. As a result, those who favor a richer typing experience can find satisfaction in either switch, while still enjoying the tactile feedback that nylon provides in terms of sound absorption and overall feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge. The Penguin switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter actuation can provide a more comfortable typing experience for longer periods, making it well-suited for work or extended gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Penguin switch requires more effort to bottom out, contributing to a more substantial typing feedback, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel. Overall, users who enjoy a lighter touch may prefer the Rice Pudding switch, while those seeking a stronger push feel might find the Penguin switch more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Penguin features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Akko Penguin is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's longer distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel and tactile feedback, providing a sense of depth in key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding the balance of responsiveness and tactile sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Penguin switches are characterized by their muted profile, producing a softer and quieter sound that makes them an excellent option for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices. They maintain a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various settings, whether you're at home or at work. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a more pronounced audio experience, featuring a deep sound that enhances the tactile feedback during typing. While the exact sound characteristics of the Rice Pudding switches are unspecified, they are generally acknowledged for a more resonant feel, which might appeal to users who enjoy an audible confirmation of their keystrokes. Ultimately, the sound experience will also depend on factors like the board and keycaps selected.

Regarding feel, the Akko Penguin switches excel with their polished and mild characteristics, delivering a smooth typing experience that minimizes friction. This design results in a feathery yet subtly resistant feel, making the switches approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. By contrast, the specific tactile qualities of the Rice Pudding switches are not detailed, though they are known for providing a balanced and satisfying typing experience. Given the focus on smooth operation, it is likely that they too offer a comfortable feel, albeit any further insights would depend on personal preference and use cases.

In summary, while the Akko Penguin tactile switches are celebrated for their quiet operation and smooth, comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a different auditory charm with deeper sounds and a satisfying tactile response. Both switches hold appeal for different user needs: the Penguins for those prioritizing silence and comfort, and the Rice Puddings for enthusiasts looking for rich audio feedback in typing. Ultimately, both options will cater to a range of preferences, and the choice will depend largely on your specific requirements for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, consider your typing style, environment, and preferences. If you’re someone who values a quiet typing experience in an office or shared space, the Akko Penguin switch would be your best bet. Its muted sound profile and rounded tactile bump provide a satisfying feedback without being disruptive, making it suitable for long hours of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, if you’re an enthusiast looking for a smooth, responsive feel and potentially utilizing a Wooting keyboard, the Rice Pudding switch might be more appealing. With its lighter bottom-out force, this switch offers a satisfying tactile response and a deeper sound, which can enhance your gaming or creative activities. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize noise level, feedback, and compatibility with your setup, allowing you to find the perfect switch that caters to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more