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Akko Penguin vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sakura Pink, a linear switch. The Akko Penguin switches are ideal for office environments due to their silent tactile nature, making them perfect for minimizing noise while still providing satisfying feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are known for their super light 35g actuation force, making them perfect for delicate typists who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the Penguin offers a balanced medium weight for prolonged typing sessions, the Sakura Pink provides a playful poppy sound and a frictionless operation. 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

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

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

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

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Penguin's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Penguin focuses on a softer and more muted typing experience, the Sakura Pink delivers a crisper and more defined sound with a distinct tactile feedback.

Despite their differences, both the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Nylon housing of the Penguin provides a more subdued typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more muted sound while typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink offers a more vibrant and defined sound profile, perfect for users who enjoy a sharper and clearer typing experience. Both housing materials excel in their own right, providing users with options based on their personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.

In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Sakura Pink contribute to the overall look and feel of the switches. The translucent polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink adds a visually appealing element, especially when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall appearance of the switch. In contrast, the solid nylon housing of the Penguin may appeal to those seeking a more traditional and understated look. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, with both options offering their own unique characteristics to enhance the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, the actuation force of the Sakura Pink is lighter at 35 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Sakura Pink is also lighter at 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams, suggesting that it may provide a softer landing when keys are fully pressed. Those who enjoy a lighter and more effortless typing experience may prefer the Sakura Pink switch, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback may lean towards the Akko Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster feedback. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch provides a bit more depth and cushioning with its longer travel distance, which may be more enjoyable for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. In this case, the Akko Penguin has the shorter travel distance, while the Everglide Sakura Pink has the longer travel distance, offering different experiences to suit individual preferences in typing or gaming.

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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.

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 tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are described as producing a muted sound. This means that they both offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches, making them suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin switch is described as having a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel. This indicates that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback and light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as having a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel. This suggests that it provides a smooth and fluid typing sensation with minimal resistance and effort required for key presses, ensuring a comfortable and effortless typing experience.

Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Penguin switch is ideal for those looking for a quiet tactile switch with a balanced feel, perfect for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is perfect for users who prefer a super light linear switch with a smooth and frictionless feel, adding a playful touch to their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Penguin tactile switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, you should take into account your typing preferences and environment. If you value a medium-weight switch with a muted sound profile and a polished, mild feel for quiet office environments or prolonged typing sessions, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a feather-light actuation force, a playful poppy sound, and a buttery, creamy feel for a smooth and effortless typing experience, especially if you are a delicate typist, then the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be your best choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.

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