Akko Penguin vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences and needs. The Penguin from Akko is ideal for office environments where silence is key, thanks to its quiet profile and rounded tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback without creating much noise. On the other hand, the Roselle from HC Studio offers an incredibly smooth typing experience with a subtle low-pitched sound signature. While the Penguin is great for extended typing sessions with its medium weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Roselle provides a unique sensation of smoothness from its inherent material blend. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the HC Studio Roselle switches both aim to create a deeper and fuller sound profile for users. While the Penguin uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the Roselle utilizes POM for both components. Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM provides a unique and pleasing sound profile with a deeper and more muted tone. Despite the difference in materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by offering a richer sound quality.
One key difference between the Akko Penguin and the HC Studio Roselle in terms of housing materials is the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch. With the Penguin, the Nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in producing the deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is pressed. Conversely, the POM bottom housing in the Roselle contributes to a more muted sound experience. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can influence the tactile feedback and sound output of a switch.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko Penguin and HC Studio Roselle switches vary, both switches share a common goal of improving the typing experience through enhanced sound quality. The Nylon top housing of the Penguin and the POM top housing of the Roselle both contribute to a deeper sound profile, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the split of housing material qualities between the top and bottom components allows for a balance between key press and key release sounds, ensuring a well-rounded auditory experience for users of both switches.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Penguin requiring 43 grams and the Roselle needing 45 grams. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Penguin having a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Roselle's lighter 52 grams. This means that the Penguin switch provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed, while the Roselle switch allows for a lighter touch. If weight is a significant factor for you, the Penguin switch would be better suited for those who prefer a heavier feel, ideal for those who want a typing experience that requires a stronger push. On the other hand, the Roselle switch is a better option for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue due to its lower bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Roselle switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin switch. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 ideal for quiet office environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, giving a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. Both switches have a neutral sound profile overall, which caters to a wide range of users and environments, with the Roselle providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Penguin. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. The switch is designed to be smooth and refined with a balanced actuation force, making it comfortable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch is described as frictionless and mild, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. While both switches offer a gentle typing experience, the Roselle's frictionless design may appeal to users looking for a seamless and fluid keypress.
Overall, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Penguin excels in providing a quiet and balanced tactile feedback, ideal for office environments, while the Roselle offers a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a unique low-pitched sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and specific use cases, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide quality and versatility, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a quiet typing experience in an office setting and prefer a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin switches with their medium bottom out force of 60 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing feel with a lower bottom out force of 52 grams, along with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the HC Studio Roselle switches may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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