Akko Penguin vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that is perfect for office environments due to its silent operation. With a rounded tactile bump, these switches provide satisfying feedback while remaining quiet. They are also of a medium weight, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making them ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are linear switches known for their speed and great typing feel. With a shorter activation and long pole stem, these switches offer a unique experience with a creamy sound signature. While the Penguin switches focus on noise minimization and tactile feedback, the Splash Brothers emphasize speed and a smooth typing 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are different, with the Penguin featuring nylon top and bottom housings while the Splash Brothers utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Penguin creates a duller and rounder sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Both housing materials offer unique sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound.
Despite having different top housing materials, both the Penguin and the Splash Brothers share nylon bottom housings. This commonality means that typing on switches of both keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic property absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing materials may play a significant role in sound production, the bottom housing is also crucial in determining the overall typing experience. With the same bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent feel and sound quality when using either the Akko Penguin or the Jwick Splash Brothers switches.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Nylon top and bottom housing of the Penguin offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether users prefer a duller and rounder sound or a more clear and resonant sound, both keyboards provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials. In general, the housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in sound production, and understanding the characteristics of each material can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a medium actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balance between light and heavy typing experiences. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a light bottom out force of 48 grams, but its actuation force is unknown. Those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Splash Brothers switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Penguin switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Splash Brothers has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Penguin with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and tactility.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch share a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments without causing disturbances. The Penguin's muted nature provides a softer and quieter sound, ideal for office settings where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offer a creamy sound signature, adding a touch of uniqueness to the typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant acoustic experience that caters to a wide range of users.
Moving on to feel, the Akko Penguin switch boasts a polished and mild tactile experience, offering a smooth and refined typing sensation with a comfortable actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In comparison, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch provides a mild and subtle feel, combined with snappy and bouncy characteristics that offer a responsive and lively typing experience. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and approachable feel, allowing users to enjoy extended typing without discomfort.
In conclusion, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different tactile and sound profiles, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter, more polished feel like the Penguin or a unique, responsive typing experience like the Splash Brothers, you can expect similar levels of comfort and quality from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a quiet workspace and enjoy a smooth typing experience, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium bottom-out force, polished feel, and muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office environments or anyone looking for a refined and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more responsive typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be the better option for you. With its light bottom-out force, snappy feel, and neutral sound profile, these switches are great for those who want a livelier typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and typing feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your keyboard setup.
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