Akko Penguin vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and TTC Silent Brown both stand out as excellent tactile options. The Akko Penguin is renowned for its silent tactile feedback, making it perfect for office settings where noise control is vital. It offers a balanced typing experience with a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a similar tactile experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both switches excel in providing tactile feedback, the Akko Penguin focuses more on noise minimization, while the TTC Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with its lighter touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ in terms of their top housing. The Penguin features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
Conversely, both the Akko Penguin and TTC Silent Brown switches share the same nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out keys. The common use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures consistency in sound profile across these two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience for users. The contrasting use of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of the Akko Penguin and TTC Silent Brown switches highlights the impact of material selection on sound characteristics. While the bottom housing material remains the same for both switches, the top housing material significantly influences the overall sound produced by each switch, offering users a unique auditory experience based on their preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akko Penguin requires 60 grams of force while the TTC Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the TTC Silent Brown is slightly heavier when it comes to bottom out force, leaning towards the medium-heavy category. When considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Akko Penguin, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier TTC Silent Brown. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches may provide users with varied typing experiences, catering to their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The Penguin may provide a quicker, more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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, both the Akko Penguin and TTC Silent Brown switches are described as having a muted profile, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes them both suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as offices or shared spaces. However, the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used. Moving on to feel, the Akko Penguin offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience that is smooth, gentle, and light to press, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel, offering a comfortable and uniform typing sensation. Both switches fall in the middle-ground zone of tactile feedback and actuation force, providing a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Overall, while there are some differences in the subjective qualities of the Akko Penguin and TTC Silent Brown switches, both options offer a satisfying typing experience with a muted sound profile, making them great choices for users looking for tactile switches that prioritize quiet operation and comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and need to minimize noise in an office setting, the Akko Penguin switches would be a great choice with their muted sound profile and balanced tactile feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a comfortable typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a buttery smooth keystroke, the TTC Silent Brown switches will offer you a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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