Akko Penguin vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Penguin and the Huano Sakura stand out for their distinct characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Akko Penguin switches are celebrated for their silent tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for office environments where noise reduction is paramount. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, they provide a satisfying typing experience while ensuring that each keystroke remains discreet, making them ideal for long periods of use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches offer a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, designed for those who appreciate a smooth linear feel and a bit more auditory feedback. This combination allows for a swift and effortless typing experience, perfect for users who prioritize speed and fluidity. Both switches cater to different needs and preferences, allowing for a personalized typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When evaluating the housing materials used in the Akko Penguin and the Huano Sakura, significant contrasts arise between the top housings while similarities are found in the bottom housings. The Akko Penguin utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a rounded and muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura features POK, or polyketone, for its top housing, a material renowned for its remarkable smoothness and strength. While POK provides a clackier sound and superior durability, it yields a different acoustic quality compared to the subdued tones characteristic of nylon. Therefore, the experience of typing on these switches will differ markedly when it comes to the auditory feedback provided by each switch’s top housing.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches favor nylon, creating a parallel in their construction. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing for both the Akko Penguin and Huano Sakura gives rise to continuity in the sound profile, as nylon naturally absorbs sound and contributes to the deeper and fuller acoustic response. This similarity ensures that when a key is pressed down, both switches evoke a comparable feel and sound at the bottom-out point due to the shared material characteristics. Thus, while the top housings yield distinct auditory experiences, the shared nylon in the bottom housings helps align some aspects of their performance.
Overall, the contrasting materials selected for the top housings coupled with the shared properties of nylon in the bottom housings create a nuanced typing experience. The Huano Sakura's POK top housing facilitates a smooth and clacky sound profile, distinguishing it from the deeper sound of the Penguin's nylon top housing. Nevertheless, users can expect consistent qualities during the key bottoming-out phase, given that both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings. Ultimately, this combination of differing top materials and congruent bottom constructions reflects the diverse auditory and tactile experiences that can be achieved through various housing materials in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Penguin requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the lighter 35 grams of the Huano Sakura. This distinction means that the Sakura switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out forces further emphasize this contrast; the Penguin's bottom out force is 60 grams, while the Sakura's is 45 grams, reinforcing the Sakura as the lighter option overall. For users seeking a more substantial typing feel, the heavier Akko Penguin could be more appealing, whereas those favoring a softer touch might gravitate toward the Huano Sakura. Ultimately, these differences highlight how the choice between these switches can significantly impact typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Penguin features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sakura offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. As such, the Penguin is the shorter of the two, which may be appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Sakura, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, provides a deeper feedback that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, choosing between the two switches will largely depend on whether one favors responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke 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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch excels in its quiet operation, classifying it as a muted switch. This means it produces a softer sound profile, making it particularly well-suited for silent environments like offices where minimizing noise is a priority. The Penguin's neutral sound characteristics provide versatility, ensuring it can be used comfortably in various settings without bothering others. In contrast, the specific sound profile of the Huano Sakura linear switch remains unknown; however, it's important to note that sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so this aspect may still be explored further by users.
In terms of tactile feel, the Penguin switch is designed to deliver a polished and refined typing experience, characterized by a smooth key travel that helps reduce friction. The mild tactile bump offers satisfying feedback while remaining approachable, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced typists alike. Additionally, the Penguin’s light actuation gives it a feathery quality that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, while known for its feather-light actuation, lacks detailed information regarding its overall feel. Users of the Sakura can expect ease during long typing sessions, but without known specific descriptors, the comparisons are limited.
In summary, the Akko Penguin tactile switch distinguishes itself through its silent operation and polished feel, making it ideal for users seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience. The Huano Sakura linear switch, while recognized for its lightness, lacks detailed sound and feel descriptors, leaving some aspects open to interpretation. Both switches cater to extended typing sessions, yet the choice will ultimately depend on whether the user prefers a tactile feedback experience or a definitive lightweight linear feel. While both options offer a comfortable typing experience, the Penguin's silent and refined qualities generally make it a more appealing choice for shared environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you work in an office or shared space where noise is a concern, the Penguin's muted and neutral sound profile, coupled with its satisfying tactile feedback, makes it an excellent choice. Its medium weight offers a balanced experience, allowing for comfortable typing over long periods without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer something lighter and are looking for quick key presses, especially if you tend to type or game for extended durations, the Sakura linear switch may be more suitable. Its lighter actuation force allows for rapid key presses with minimal strain on your fingers, making it a great option for fast-paced tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your typing style but also your work environment. By understanding the unique characteristics of each switch, you can better tailor your keyboard experience to match your personal preferences.
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