Akko Penguin vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, two popular options that stand out are the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Red. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying feedback with each press, thanks to its rounded tactile bump. These switches are ideal for office environments where noise reduction is essential, as they provide a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, perfect for those looking for a switch with a muted sound profile. Both switches offer different benefits, with the Akko Penguin providing a balanced mix of responsiveness and ease of use, while the TTC Silent Red offers a consistent feel from top to bottom. 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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the TTC Silent Red, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the properties of nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when typing on either of these switches, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as both switches share this common housing material.
However, the key difference lies in the top housing material used in each switch. The Akko Penguin features a nylon top housing, which will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate compared to nylon leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This distinction in top housing materials will create a noticeable difference in the overall sound profile and feel of the switches.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each material will be split between the top and bottom housing of the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Akko Penguin and TTC Silent Red share nylon for the bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials will result in distinct acoustic profiles and typing experiences for users of each switch.
Weight
Comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Red is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force. The Penguin requires 43 grams of actuation force and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Red needs 45 grams to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balanced typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Penguin may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a slightly more substantial keystroke feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm. This makes the Silent Red slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Penguin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a more abrupt feel, the Penguin with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Silent Red with its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of tactile feedback and key press depth.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch are described as having a muted sound profile, making them suitable for environments where minimizing noise is important. This means you can expect a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches, which is ideal for office or shared living spaces. Keep in mind that the overall sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. This means it offers smooth and refined key travel, with a gentle typing feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as having a buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable choices for quiet office environments. The Penguin switch provides a rounded tactile bump with a medium weight for a satisfying feedback, while the Silent Red switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the specific feel and sound profile desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when determining whether to choose the Akko Penguin tactile switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your preference for typing feel. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience for office or shared spaces and enjoy a rounded tactile bump with medium weight, the Akko Penguin switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and consistent typing experience with a padded bottom-out feel and muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and needs.
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