Akko Penguin vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Penguin and the Huano Strawberry Latte present two intriguing options, each tailored to distinct preferences. The Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, excels in environments where noise control is essential. Its rounded tactile bump offers satisfying feedback with every keystroke while keeping sound levels subdued, making it an excellent choice for office settings. With a medium weight that balances responsiveness and comfort, it’s designed for extended typing sessions without inducing fatigue. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and balanced sound profile—not too quiet, yet not excessively resonant. This switch allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gamers and fast typists who prioritize fluidity and speed over tactile feedback. While the Penguin provides a reassuring feel with each keystroke, the Strawberry Latte offers a seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Penguin Tactile

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a key distinction arises in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which stands out for its superior smoothness and durability, boasting a significantly lower coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistance. While both materials serve the purpose of housing switches, they inherently affect the switches' acoustic character in different ways—the Penguin emphasizing warmth and depth, while the Strawberry Latte prioritizes smoothness and clarity.

The bottom housings of both switches, however, share an identical material: nylon. This commonality presents an interesting scenario as both switches exhibit similar acoustic characteristics at the bottom of the switch. With nylon’s inherent ability to absorb sound, users can expect a comparable dull and rounded sound profile upon bottoming out, regardless of the switch they choose. This feature contributes to a consistent auditory experience for the user, bridging the differences found in the top housings. Thus, while the top housings diverge in material choice, the uniformity in the bottom housing ensures a shared foundation in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback when the keys are pressed down.

Having different materials for the top and bottom housings inherently influences the overall switch experience. In the case of the Akko Penguin, the softer nylon top will likely enrich the auditory profile during key release, providing a smooth and resonant sound. This contrasts with the Strawberry Latte's top POK housing, whose characteristics cater to a more pronounced and clacky feedback upon release, allowing for a more lively typing experience. As each housing contributes distinct qualities, they harmoniously coexist, ensuring that users will enjoy varied tactile and auditory responses. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials between the two switches, the similar nylon bottom housing allows them to maintain consistent qualities in their fundamental acoustic and tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, while the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This means that users who prefer a softer touch and potentially longer typing sessions may find the Strawberry Latte more comfortable. Additionally, the bottom out forces also contrast: the Penguin bottoms out at 60 grams, whereas the Strawberry Latte does so at 45 grams. Consequently, the Penguin offers a more substantial feel overall, as both its actuation and bottom out forces are heavier than those of the Strawberry Latte. For users who enjoy a firmer typing experience, the Penguin will suit their preference, while those who desire a lighter feel may opt for the Strawberry Latte, making it better for extended use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that the Penguin features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Strawberry Latte boasts a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm. This 0.3 mm difference highlights the Penguin's more responsive feel, which can be favorable for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte offers a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a steadier typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Akko Penguin would be the ideal choice, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte may suit those who appreciate a deeper press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted and neutral auditory profile. The muted quality helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. The neutral sound level enhances versatility, ensuring that the switch is suitable for both beginners and experienced users alike, whether in a professional setting or at home. In contrast, while specific sound descriptors for the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch are not provided, it is characterized by a balanced sound profile, which implies it neither dominates with excessive resonance nor is overly quiet. This balance can provide a pleasant acoustic experience, however, its precise noise level and character remain unknown.

In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switch stands out with a polished and refined typing experience. The smooth finish and factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and effortless key travel, while the mild tactile bump provides just enough feedback without being jarring, allowing for an approachable typing experience. Furthermore, the Penguin’s combination of light resistance and subtlety makes it suitable for extended use without inducing fatigue—ideal for typing marathons or gaming sessions. On the other hand, while the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is not explicitly detailed, its reputation as a linear switch suggests it offers a smooth and consistent motion throughout the keypress, which typically translates to a seamless typing experience as well, though specific tactile feedback characteristics are unknown.

In summary, the Akko Penguin tactile switch excels in providing a silent, feedback-rich typing experience that is perfect for quiet environments, while also ensuring a polished feel that caters to prolonged use. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile and a smooth actuation that can appeal to those looking for a reliable linear option. Individuals seeking similar results in typing feel may find the Penguin’s mild resistance and polished nature shares some corporate-friendly traits with the Strawberry Latte's smoothness, but the tactile nature of the Penguin will distinctly set it apart in terms of feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one values tactile feedback in a quiet environment or the smooth, linear experience that is underscored by a balanced sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your specific typing preferences and environment should guide your decision. If you find yourself working in a shared or quieter space where minimizing noise is crucial, the Penguin switches are a superb choice due to their muted sound and rounded tactile bump, providing both satisfying feedback and a comfortable typing experience. Their medium weight also makes them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing excessive finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother feel with lighter actuation, the Strawberry Latte linear switch could be the ideal fit for you. These switches, with their light 45-gram actuation force, allow for rapid key presses, making them especially appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios, while still offering a balanced sound profile that won’t be overly loud. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more