Akko Penguin vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Penguin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) mechanical keyboard switches, both stand out as excellent choices for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Akko Penguin is renowned for its silent tactile switches, making it a popular option for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a similar tactile experience but with a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches provide satisfying feedback with each press, but the Penguin leans towards a more neutral and feathery feel, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a slightly more accentuated and stepped tactile experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), one can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing. In this aspect, both the Akko Penguin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will yield similar typing experiences with their nylon bottom housings.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Akko Penguin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in material, with the Penguin using nylon and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) using polycarbonate. While nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile compared to nylon. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for switches with lighting features.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, whereas the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. With this in mind, the combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing in the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) creates a unique typing experience that differs from the Akko Penguin's consistent nylon housing throughout.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Penguin at 60 grams and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) at 67 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Penguin may make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Penguin offering a lighter option and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) providing a heavier alternative for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm while the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin's 3.3 mm travel distance would provide a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster input. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent T1 may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Penguin being on the shorter side and the Silent T1 being slightly longer than average. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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
In terms of sound, both the Akko Penguin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as producing a muted noise, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as offices or shared spaces. The Penguin switch offers a neutral sound profile, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides subdued audio feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound will come down to personal preference and the other factors at play in your keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, with a fairly rounded tactile bump that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished feel, offering a tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the subtle differences in tactile feel may cater to different preferences among users.
In conclusion, both the Akko Penguin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer a muted sound profile that is suitable for quiet environments. While the Penguin switch provides a slightly different tactile feel compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, both switches aim to offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the exact feel and sound profile desired in a mechanical keyboard switch. However, users can expect similar results in terms of noise reduction and tactile feedback from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience for an office setting or shared space, the Akko Penguin with its muted sound profile and polished feel may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you want a tactile switch that offers a balanced mix of feedback and noise reduction, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its medium-heavy bottom out force and stepped feel could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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