Akko Penguin vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, another tactile switch. The Akko Penguin switches are praised for their silent tactile feedback, making them a great choice for office settings where noise reduction is important. With a rounded tactile bump and a medium weight, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience without causing fatigue during lengthy use. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are known for their medium-high level of tactility, thanks to their unique two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches produces deep, resonating thocks and offers a different tactile experience compared to the Akko Penguin. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches provide different sound profiles based on the nylon and polycarbonate materials used in their construction. The nylon material in the Penguin switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate material in the Shadow (Ink) switch produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffness and clear housing for RGB lighting. These differences in housing materials directly impact the overall auditory experience of typing on each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Penguin and Shadow (Ink) switches maintain the characteristics of their respective materials, nylon and polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Penguin continues to contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) provides a sharper and more resonant sound experience. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles influenced by their bottom housing materials. This highlights the importance of considering the entire switch construction, including both top and bottom housings, when evaluating typing experiences.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound profile of a switch, it becomes evident that the combination of materials plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting both the pressing down and letting go of keys. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities emphasizes the significance of the balance between nylon and polycarbonate materials in housing design for creating a desired typing experience.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Penguin at 60 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring at 63 grams, both falling into the medium range. The lighter actuation force of the Penguin may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may provide a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Shadow (Ink) switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin switch. The shorter travel distance of the Penguin switch may cater more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) switch may provide a more traditional and deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 provides a muted and neutral typing experience. The muted sound produced by these switches is softer and quieter, making them suitable for office environments or areas where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This switch produces sharp and crisp sounds with each key press, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Penguin switch. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you use.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. The polished finish of these switches results in smooth key travel with reduced friction, providing a sleek typing experience. The mild and feathery characteristics make typing comfortable for extended periods without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience. The sharp and snappy tactile bump gives a distinct and intense feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience. The bouncy and stepped characteristics add a lively and unique feel to the switches, giving users a varied tactile response.
Considering the information provided, it's evident that the Akko Penguin and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Penguin switch excels in providing a quieter and smoother typing experience with its medium weight and rounded tactile bump, the Shadow switches stand out with their intense and sharp tactile feedback, along with deep and resonating thock sound. Depending on personal preference and the typing environment, users can choose between the quiet and balanced profile of the Penguin switch or the more pronounced and lively experience offered by the Shadow switches, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Penguin tactile switch or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you should take into account your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for office settings and enjoy a balanced tactile feedback with medium actuation force, the Akko Penguin switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a higher level of tactility and enjoy a more resonating sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual typing style and environment in which you plan to use them.
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