Akko Penguin vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Akko Penguin is perfect for those in office environments who value a quiet typing experience, thanks to its silent tactile bump and medium weight that balances responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its short travel distance, thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch, making it ideal for quick and precise typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Penguin's nylon top and bottom housing contribute to a deep and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a rounder sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housing create a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between them comes down to personal preference for sound and feel.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon top housing of the Akko Penguin and the POM top housing of the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer contrasting experiences. While both materials produce a deeper sound, the nylon housing of the Penguin is described as creating a duller and rounder sound, whereas the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver is relatively more muted. This difference in sound may appeal to different preferences, with some users enjoying the rounder sound of nylon and others preferring the muted sound of POM. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's desired typing experience.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, with the softer nature of nylon in the Penguin providing a deeper and fuller feel, while the POM material in the Smoothie Silver offers a more muted and slightly softer typing experience. Ultimately, users will need to consider their preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are apparent. The Akko Penguin has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akko Penguin requires a heavier 60 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Akko Penguin provides a more consistent typing experience with a relatively medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force but a bottom out force that is not specified. In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be preferable for those who prefer typing for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Akko Penguin may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for quick and responsive typing or gaming experiences. However, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth and feedback compared to the Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a shorter or slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a quality typing experience, but the Smoothie Silver may offer a touch more feedback for those who prefer a slightly longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it a great choice for those working in office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, but typically linear switches are known for having a smoother and quieter sound compared to tactile switches. Ultimately, both switches are likely to offer a relatively quiet typing experience, with the Penguin leaning towards a more muted sound and the Smoothie Silver likely providing a thocky and smooth keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle. This indicates that the switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and light actuation force. These qualities make the Penguin switch comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided, but being an all-POM switch, it is likely to offer unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, perfect for lightning-fast actuations and quick typing.
Considering the available information, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch each offer unique and appealing qualities to users. The Penguin switch excels in producing a quieter typing experience suitable for office environments, with a balanced tactile bump and medium weight for comfortable extended use. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch features a short travel distance for fast actuation, a smooth keystroke, and a feather-light touch, making it ideal for users seeking speed and precision in their typing. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and it is recommended to choose based on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience for office settings or if you prefer a medium weight switch with a rounded tactile bump, the Akko Penguin switch is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and a feather-light touch for gaming or fast typing, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch would be more appropriate. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you prefer a tactile and silent typing experience or a linear and fast actuation feel. Consider your typing needs and preferences to choose the switch that best suits your style.
Mentioned in this article
