Akko Penguin vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), a linear switch, offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Akko Penguin switches are ideal for office environments due to their silent tactile design, providing a satisfying feedback without producing excessive noise. With a medium weight and rounded tactile bump, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches are recognized for their extremely quiet sound profile and smooth, pillowy feel. They are characterized by their low-pitched, creamy sound and buttery touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual 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
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), it is evident that they both provide unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Penguin's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that produces a clear and resonant tone. While the nylon top and bottom housing of the Penguin provide consistency in sound profile, the polycarbonate housings of the Silent Frozen (V2) offer a more distinct difference between top and bottom sounds.
One key difference between the two housing materials is their impact on the aesthetics of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen (V2) is translucent, making it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting for a visually appealing effect. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Akko Penguin does not offer the same transparency, thus limiting its ability to showcase RGB lighting effects. Additionally, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housings may also affect the overall feel of the switch, with the softer nylon providing a different tactile experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
Overall, while the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) share similarities in using classic switch housing materials, such as nylon and polycarbonate, they offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics based on their unique properties. The choice between the two housing materials can impact the sound, feel, and visual appeal of the switches, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound, and polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper tone. Ultimately, the decision between the two housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound profile, tactile response, and RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch. The actuation force of the Penguin is 43 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) requires only 39 grams for actuation. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Penguin is 60 grams, whereas the Silent Frozen (V2) has a lower bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Frozen (V2) lighter in both actuation and bottom out force when compared to the Akko Penguin. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Frozen (V2), while users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel may opt for the Akko Penguin. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. In this case, the Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Penguin switch may provide a slightly more abrupt feeling due to its shorter travel distance, while the Silent Frozen (V2) switch might offer a slightly deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.55.
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 muted and neutral sound profile, reducing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for quiet office environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Penguin focuses on a more muted overall sound, while the Silent Frozen offers a deeper and more bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle and light actuation force ideal for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, and subtle typing feel, providing a smooth and buttery keystroke experience with an effortless and uniform sensation. Both switches offer a polished and refined typing experience with a light actuation force, making them comfortable for prolonged use.
Overall, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch have some differences in sound and feel, they both aim to provide a quiet and smooth typing experience suitable for office environments or shared spaces. The Penguin focuses more on a muted sound profile and a balanced tactile feel, while the Silent Frozen offers a deeper sound profile and a creamier typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both options would provide similar results in terms of noise minimization and comfort during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, consider the environment and typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a silent workspace with a satisfying tactile feedback and medium actuation force, the Akko Penguin switches would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a super smooth and extremely quiet typing experience with a light actuation force, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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