Akko Penguin vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and Durock Sea Glass offer unique experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that excels in office environments due to its silent operation and satisfying tactile bump. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass is a linear switch that stands out with its pastel color options and unique typing experience characterized by a distinct dryness and airiness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switch possesses a weightlessness that defies expectations. While the Penguin is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, feathery, subtle, the Sea Glass is categorized as frictionless, mild, feathery, easy-to-press. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, but deciding between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. However, let's examine these switches more closely so you can 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko Penguin and the Durock Sea Glass both use nylon as the material for their switch housings, providing a deep and full sound profile when typing. The nylon top housing of the Penguin absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a unique sound profile that is described as not particularly sharp but slightly brighter. While both switches use nylon for their top housing, the blend in the Sea Glass may contribute to a slightly different sound compared to the Penguin.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Penguin and the Sea Glass also utilize nylon, which enhances the deep and full sound profile when typing. The properties of nylon as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. However, the Sea Glass's bottom housing uses a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which may result in a slightly different experience compared to the Penguin. Despite these differences, the overall impact of the nylon material on the bottom housing of both switches contributes to their deeper sound profiles.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Akko Penguin and the Durock Sea Glass plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, the Sea Glass incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE that may result in a slightly different sound compared to the Penguin. However, the similarities in using nylon as the primary material for the housings ensure that both switches provide a deep and full sound profile when typing, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of nylon as a switch housing material.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Penguin requires a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Sea Glass at 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Penguin at 60 grams and the Sea Glass at 62 grams. The Penguin falls on the lighter side of the spectrum, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the Sea Glass offers a slightly heavier push feel, catering to individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a medium actuation and bottom out force, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both offer different travel distances for users to consider. The Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sea Glass boasts a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted and neutral typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch boasts a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a distinct auditory element to typing sessions. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, with the Penguin focusing on a quieter operation while the Sea Glass provides a more unusual and captivating sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin switch presents a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. This includes a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction, a gentle typing feel suitable for most users, an exceptionally light actuation force to reduce finger fatigue, and a gentle resistance for comfortable extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing experience, providing an extremely smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance, light actuation force for reduced finger strain, and low-impact typing for enhanced typing comfort. Both switches offer a range of qualities that cater to different typing preferences, whether you prefer a more refined and polished feel or a smoother and frictionless experience.
Overall, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities that differentiate them in terms of sound and feel. While the Penguin excels in providing a muted and polished typing experience with a focus on quietness and smoothness, the Sea Glass stands out with its hollow sound signature and frictionless feel that adds a unique touch to typing sessions. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to various needs and preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches may lead to similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction, as they each offer a blend of qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience and a medium weight switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin tactile switch may be the right choice for you, especially in office environments where noise minimization is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique pastel color selection, a distinctly dry and airy typing experience, and a switch with a weightlessness that defies expectations, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so carefully assess your needs before making a decision.
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