Akko Penguin vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different preferences and environments. The Akko Penguin is perfect for those seeking a quiet typing experience, ideal for office settings where noise reduction is crucial. With its rounded tactile bump and medium weight, it strikes a balance between feedback and comfort, making it great for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is a game-changer with its innovative semi-silent design that minimizes noise while providing a silky smooth typing feel. While both switches offer their own set of benefits, it's important to dive deeper into their characteristics to determine which one best suits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, one key difference is in their top housings. The Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This results in a difference in sound profiles between the two switches, with the Penguin producing a duller and rounder sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound of the Semi-Silent Linear.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. This shared material choice means that the sound characteristics of the bottom of the switch are likely to be comparable in both the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. While the top housings may differ in their impact on sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing provides a common factor that contributes to a consistent typing experience across both switches. This similarity in housing material is likely to result in comparable typing feels and sound experiences for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. The differences in top housing materials between the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear result in distinct sound profiles, with the nylon and polycarbonate top housings offering different levels of sound clarity and resonance. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a commonality in the deep and full sound profile when typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound will depend on your personal preference for typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Akko Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force, making it more conducive for long typing sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly heavier force of 62 grams as opposed to the Penguin's 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall into the medium force category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Penguin offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may provide a slightly quicker response compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. If you prefer a more abrupt feel when pressing down on a key, the Penguin may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Semi-Silent Linear would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Penguin being slightly shorter and the Semi-Silent Linear being slightly longer.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is known for its muted sound, which produces a softer and quieter typing experience, making it suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a subdued sound, providing a dampened sound profile that is not completely silent but still more subtle than most switches. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various settings and users. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin switch is characterized by its polished and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also provides a feathery resistance, requiring minimal effort for key presses and reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its mild and snappy feel, providing a gentle typing experience with super responsive feedback. It also offers a buttery keystroke sensation, delivering a seamless and effortless typing experience. Both switches incorporate elements of smoothness and comfort, catering to users who prioritize tactile feedback and typing efficiency.
Overall, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Penguin excels in providing a quiet and refined typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and silky smooth keystrokes. Depending on personal preferences and work environments, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences with their balanced mix of tactile feedback, quiet operation, and comfortable feel. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from these switches, ensuring a high level of performance and satisfaction for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet tactile switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you, especially in office environments where noise minimization is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a smooth typing feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches have medium bottom out forces and offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Akko Penguin and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches will come down to whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a silent linear feel.
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