Akko Penguin vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and HMX Swift offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch known for its silent operation, making it perfect for office settings where noise reduction is essential. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin provides a satisfying feedback without causing fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its linear switch design with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, complemented by a delicate 42g actuation force. While the Penguin offers a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Swift provides a smooth and responsive feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the HMX Swift, both featuring nylon top and bottom housings, offer a similar typing experience. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The use of nylon in both the Akko Penguin and the HMX Swift ensures a consistent sound profile, making them ideal choices for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience.
Despite having the same housing material, the Akko Penguin and the HMX Swift may exhibit differences in their typing feel based on other design elements. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, with the material impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This means that even though both keyboards feature nylon housings, subtle variations in design could result in a unique typing feel between the Akko Penguin and the HMX Swift.
In conclusion, the similarities between the Akko Penguin and the HMX Swift lie in their use of nylon housing materials, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the housing materials are the same, differences in other design elements may lead to variations in the typing feel between the two keyboards. Overall, both the Akko Penguin and the HMX Swift provide a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate the unique sound and feel of keyboards with nylon housings.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that they have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, the bottom out force of the Penguin at 60 grams is heavier than the Swift's 50 grams, making the Swift the lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Swift may be the more suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Penguin more appealing. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on the user's preferences, showcasing the importance of weight considerations when selecting a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Swift has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Penguin's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers seeking a faster response time, while the Swift's longer travel distance could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer more depth when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Penguin feeling more immediate and the Swift offering a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one desires.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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, the Akko Penguin switch is known for its muted and neutral characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which might be preferred by users looking for a more distinct auditory feedback. The sound of each switch can further vary depending on the keyboard and keycap setup used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, and feathery typing experience, with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and light actuation force contributing to a comfortable and gentle typing feel ideal for extended use. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, delivering low-impact and responsive typing with a lively rebound and buttery sensation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience tailored to different preferences and usage scenarios.
Taking all the available information into account, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Penguin switch prioritizes a quiet and balanced tactile feedback, making it suitable for office environments and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Swift switch focuses on a deeper sound profile and smooth actuation, catering to users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback and gentle typing experience. While both switches have unique characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of comfort and satisfaction based on their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your environment and typing preferences. If you are looking for a switch that provides a silent typing experience with a balanced tactile feedback, the Akko Penguin switch with its medium bottom out force of 60 grams is a great choice for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift switch with its light 50-gram bottom out force and nylon housings may be more suitable for you, especially if you enjoy a clacky sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience (Akko Penguin) or a smoother and deeper sound profile (HMX Swift) for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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