Akko Penguin vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Penguin and the TTC Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they cater to different user preferences and needs. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches offer a satisfying feedback while striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is a linear switch that prioritizes speed and precision, featuring a lighter resistance and reduced travel distance for quick and effortless actuation. While the Akko Penguin excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver is designed for those who value speed and accuracy. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Akko Penguin and the TTC Speed Silver both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Penguin features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Speed Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While nylon produces a duller and rounder sound, polycarbonate offers a more clear and resonant sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials are classic choices that have their own distinct advantages in terms of sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Akko Penguin and the TTC Speed Silver use nylon material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, contributing to the overall typing experience. By using the same nylon material for the bottom housing, both switches maintain consistency in sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom components of a switch can have a significant impact on sound and feel. While nylon and polycarbonate offer different sound profiles, both materials have their own unique benefits. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows each part of the switch to contribute its own qualities to the typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon or a sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate, both the Akko Penguin and the TTC Speed Silver offer distinct options for users seeking a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have similar actuation forces, with the Penguin requiring 43 grams and the Speed Silver needing 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin is on the heavier side at 60 grams, compared to the Speed Silver's 55 grams. This means that the Penguin will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to fully press down. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Speed Silver may be more suitable for those looking for a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much strain. Both switches fall under the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the Penguin is the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Speed Silver is the longer option, although the difference is minimal. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The Penguin may provide a slightly more abrupt feel due to its shorter travel distance, while the Speed Silver offers a touch more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial key press 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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Speed Silver linear switch fall within the neutral range, providing a moderate sound profile. This makes both switches suitable for various environments, whether it be at home or in a workplace setting. The muted characteristic of the Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Speed Silver, which may be preferred in shared spaces or for those looking to minimize noise. However, the Speed Silver switch still maintains a pleasant sound profile that is not overly loud or distracting.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a polished typing experience, providing smooth and refined key travel. The Penguin switch is described as having a feathery and subtle resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch offers a mild typing experience with reduced friction, allowing for effortless key presses. Both switches strike a balance between providing tactile feedback while being easy on the fingers, making them suitable for prolonged use.
In conclusion, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both offer a pleasant typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Whether you value a quieter typing experience like the Penguin switch or prioritize a fast and precise typing experience like the Speed Silver switch, you can expect satisfying results with either choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience suitable for office settings, the Akko Penguin switch with its quiet profile and medium weight may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if speed and precision are your top priorities, the TTC Speed Silver switch with its light-medium resistance and quick actuation may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific use case for your keyboard.
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