Akko Penguin vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, both offer tactile feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, making them ideal for office environments or shared living spaces. The Akko Penguin stands out for its rounded tactile bump and medium weight, providing a satisfying typing experience without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium level of resistance and tactility, allowing for precise and comfortable typing sessions. While both switches excel in noise minimization and tactile feedback, the Akko Penguin leans towards a more polished and muted feel, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is described as buttery and subtle. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
However, the key point of differentiation between these switches lies in their top housing materials. The Akko Penguin features a top housing made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This distinction in top housing material showcases how the choice of material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the combination of nylon bottom housing in both the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the difference in top housing materials introduces a unique element to each switch, with the Akko Penguin offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon top housing, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. This variation allows users to select a switch based on their preferred sound and feel characteristics, showcasing the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Penguin has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2) with 42 grams, making the Penguin slightly lighter in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin requires 60 grams while the Silent Bluish White (V2) only needs 50 grams, making the Silent Bluish White (V2) the lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Silent Bluish White (V2) may be more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Akko Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Penguin has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2). The difference may not be significant, but it could be noticeable for individuals who are particularly sensitive to the feel of a switch. In terms of responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Penguin may appeal more to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2) could provide a more deliberate and satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile feel, but the subtle variation in travel distance could cater to different preferences.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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, both the Akko Penguin and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This makes them both excellent choices for office environments or shared living spaces where noise minimization is important. The sound of a switch, however, can also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switches are described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for prolonged use. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle tactile response. Both switches fall into the category of providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience, with slight variations in their tactile feel.
Overall, both the Akko Penguin tactile switches and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switches offer a satisfying typing experience with quiet operation. While the Penguin switches may have a slightly rounder tactile bump and the Silent Bluish White (V2) switches may offer a more uniform typing sensation, both switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and noise reduction. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for the specific feel and sound profile desired during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Penguin tactile switch or the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience for an office environment or shared living space, the Akko Penguin switch would be the better choice due to its muted sound profile. Additionally, if you value a medium weight switch with a rounded tactile bump for comfortable extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, the Penguin would suit your needs. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and a focus on quiet operation, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch would be the optimal choice. With its buttery feel and medium tactility, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch provides a precise and comfortable typing experience while minimizing noise. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize noise reduction, typing comfort, or a specific tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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