Akko Penguin vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Penguin and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko Penguin, a silent tactile switch, excels in creating a noise-minimized environment, making it particularly suitable for office settings where quiet operation is essential. With its rounded tactile bump, users enjoy satisfying feedback without the disruptive clacking of traditional switches, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, brings a smooth and fluid experience to the table, characterized by its thocky sound profile and top-notch quality while being more budget-friendly. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a seamless keypress without the tactile bump, providing a different kind of satisfaction. Ultimately, whether you’re looking for a silent tactile experience or a smooth linear action, both switches have their unique advantages. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Penguin and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit distinct differences in their switch housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Akko Penguin utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, a classic choice known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's characteristic softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. This quality of nylon creates a warm, comforting feel during use, which can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced sound and tactile response in their keyboards.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for its unique acoustical properties, providing a similarly deep sound profile but with a distinctive charm of its own. The sound produced by POM tends to be more muted yet still possesses a certain richness that users find pleasing. While both housing materials—nylon and POM—offer a fuller, deeper auditory experience, the POM's hardness can lead to a crisper and more defined sound when pressed, making the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out in terms of auditory feedback despite also being muted.
While the materials and their characteristics differ, fans of either switch can achieve similar results based on their preferences. Those who prefer the fuller and rounder sound signature of the Akko Penguin can appreciate the noteworthy aspects of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, as they both share a tendency towards a deeper sound profile. The acoustic differences can be seen as complementary rather than opposing; the use of nylon in the Penguins lends a softer touch, while the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothies offers a more dynamic response. Thus, regardless of the material, both switches deliver satisfying auditory experiences that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, some notable differences arise, particularly in their actuation forces. The Penguin switch features an actuation force of 43 grams, which places it in the medium range, making it a suitable option for users who appreciate a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force at 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison regarding how deeply one must press the key before it fully engages. With the Penguin's defined bottom out force of 60 grams, users can expect a noticeable resistance when bottoming out, which can enhance the typing experience for those who favor a more substantial feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Akko Penguin would be the better choice, while the slightly heavier Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may satisfy users who enjoy a more forceful actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see a noticeable difference: the Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Akko Penguin the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel that allows for quicker actuation, often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial and cushioned typing experience that some users may prefer for comfort during extended use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke depth, with the Penguin facilitating a quicker response and the Sea Salt Smoothie providing a more ample typing sensation.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a notably muted and neutral profile, making it particularly suitable for environments where minimizing noise is essential. The quiet operation will ensure that typing sessions remain unobtrusive, making it an ideal choice for office work or shared spaces. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, however, presents a thocky sound profile that resonates more compared to the Penguin switch. While both sound characteristics will ultimately depend on the keyboard build and the chosen keycaps, the Penguin's design aims for a softer auditory experience, contrasting with the more pronounced sound of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
When discussing feel, the Akko Penguin switch is characterized by its polished, mild, and subtle nature. The smooth finish allows for a more refined typing experience with reduced friction, enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the gentle resistance of the Penguin switch keeps it comfortable and accessible for most users. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are unknown, but if it possesses the exceptional smoothness it’s known for, users may expect a different sensation – likely one that favors fluidity over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko Penguin tactile switch promises a quiet and refined typing experience, making it especially suited for noise-sensitive environments, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may cater to those who prefer a more noticeable auditory response with smooth performance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the prioritization of sound versus feel, and while some aspects of the Sea Salt Smoothie remain unknown, each switch offers unique advantages that can cater to different preferences in the winding world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch should hinge on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quieter experience, especially in a shared workspace, the Penguin would be a fantastic option. Its muted sound, rounded tactile bump, and medium bottom-out force not only provide satisfying feedback but also minimize noise, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. This makes the Penguin ideal for professionals or students who spend long hours typing, as it strikes a great balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, if you seek an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie will suit your needs well. Though its bottom-out force is not specified, it is crafted from durable materials that contribute to its smoothness while remaining a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. This switch is perfect for gamers or anyone who values a seamless keystroke experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a tactile, muted feel or a linear, smooth action, along with the specific contexts in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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