Akko Penguin vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Taro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts. The Akko Penguin stands out for its focus on silent tactile switches, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise reduction is crucial. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. While both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, such as the Akko Penguin being categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Subtle', and the Jwick Taro as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped', ultimately the choice between them will depend on personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Jwick Taro differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Penguin features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon plastic. In contrast, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller tone, polycarbonate's stiffness enhances clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for customization.
On the other hand, both the Penguin and Taro utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption that contributes to the overall sound experience when typing on these switches. While the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in top housing material, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures similar qualities in terms of sound profile and typing experience for both the Penguin and Taro switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Akko Penguin and Jwick Taro significantly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the nylon top housing of the Penguin offers a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro delivers a sharper and crisper tone. On the other hand, both switches maintain consistent sound qualities with their nylon bottom housing, which absorbs sound to create a more rounded and dull tone. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of each component in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their overall feel and performance. The Akko Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Jwick Taro's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Akko Penguin more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Jwick Taro for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Penguin offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Taro provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial pressing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Akko Penguin or Jwick Taro tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Taro offering a slightly longer 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 tactile switch is best characterized as having a muted and neutral profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is also characterized as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various use cases. Both switches offer a moderate sound level, ensuring that they are not disruptive in shared spaces like offices or homes.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko Penguin is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction and light key travel, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is characterized as buttery and stepped, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild level of tactility, making typing comfortable and effortless.
Overall, while the Akko Penguin and Jwick Taro tactile switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience suitable for different preferences and use cases. Whether you prefer a quieter typing experience like the Penguin or a slightly more tactile feel like the Taro, you can expect similar levels of quality and performance from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a silent tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a balanced typing experience, the Akko Penguin switches are a great choice, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy medium-level tactility with a cozy typing experience and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jwick Taro switches would be a suitable option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. Choose the Akko Penguin for a quieter and more polished typing experience, or opt for the Jwick Taro for a crisp and buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and preferences to determine which switch best suits your needs.
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