Akko Penguin vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and the Bsun Tomcat present distinct options tailored to different user preferences and environments. The Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, is designed to deliver a satisfying feedback experience with its rounded tactile bump while ensuring a quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels are a consideration. With a medium weight, these switches balance responsiveness and comfort, facilitating prolonged typing sessions without contributing to fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, a linear switch, excels in providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke thanks to its Ly stems, which enhance the overall typing experience. Although the Tomcat may not offer the tactile feedback that some users seek, its resonant sound profile and seamless actuation cater to those who prefer a fluid typing style without disruption. Each switch comes with its own advantages suited for varying typing preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Penguin Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used for the Akko Penguin and the Bsun Tomcat present a notable contrast in their sound profiles and physical properties. The Penguin features a nylon top housing, which is crafted from a softer plastic that absorbs sound better than its stiffer counterparts. This design results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. In stark contrast, the Tomcat employs a polycarbonate top housing that is characterized by its rigidity. The more resilient nature of polycarbonate allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating clear and resonant auditory feedback. This significant difference in sound production reflects the unique properties of each material and caters to distinct user preferences in keyboard acoustics.

Despite the disparity in top housing materials, both the Akko Penguin and the Bsun Tomcat feature nylon for their bottom housings, providing them with a shared characteristic that affects their overall sound experience. The presence of nylon in both switches means that when pressed down, users will experience the same deeper and fuller sound profile associated with soft plastics; this similarity ensures that the sensation of typing remains consistent between the two switches despite their differing top housings. As the nylon bottom responds to each keystroke, it retains a degree of sonic warmth that enhances the typing experience, ultimately allowing users to find comfort in a familiar auditory feedback.

In summary, the combination of nylon bottom housings in both the Akko Penguin and Bsun Tomcat creates a foundational acoustical quality that helps balance their otherwise contrasting top materials. While the Penguin offers a duller and rounder sound profile from its nylon top, the Tomcat provides a crisp, high-pitched sound due to its polycarbonate construction. This division allows users to enjoy varied sound experiences based on their typing habits and preferences. Ultimately, this nuanced interplay of materials emphasizes the importance of housing composition in achieving desired audible results, highlighting how diverse plastic characteristics can interact to deliver a satisfying auditory and tactile typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly lighter than the Tomcat's 45 grams, making the Penguin the easier option for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force tells a different story; the Penguin's bottom out force is 60 grams, which is heavier than the Tomcat's 54 grams, indicating that while the initial keystrokes may require less force on the Penguin, it will feel more substantial when fully pressed down. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch for endurance would lean towards the Akko Penguin, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel at the bottom would appreciate the Tomcat. Overall, the Penguin is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, while the Tomcat offers a softer landing, making it a preferable choice for those who want a gentler typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Penguin features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Penguin provides a more responsive experience, making it a better choice for users who prefer quick key presses, commonly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Tomcat's greater travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys, offering a deeper and more deliberate actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Akko Penguin is the shorter option, whereas the Bsun Tomcat is the longer choice, accommodating users who appreciate a more pronounced key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Penguin switch shines with its muted and neutral characteristics. The muted sound profile ensures that each keystroke is soft, making it a suitable option for environments where minimizing noise is crucial, such as in an office setting. The neutral sound aspect provides a comfortable balance, appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike, regardless of the usage context. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch, while described as having a resonant sound profile, lacks detailed specifications. Therefore, it remains less clear how the auditory experience of the Tomcat compares, but it likely veers towards a more pronounced sound than the Penguin, especially when considering the overall resonant quality mentioned.

In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished typing experience characterized by a rounded tactile bump. This switch combines a mild, feather-like actuation force with subtle resistance, allowing for smooth key travel and minimal finger fatigue even during prolonged use. It stands as a comfortable option for extended typing efforts, whether for work or leisure. In contrast, there are no explicit descriptions available for the tactile experience associated with the Tomcat switch. Therefore, it lacks the specific context necessary to draw a clear comparison regarding the feel.

Overall, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience alongside tactile feedback, the Akko Penguin switch stands out as an excellent choice thanks to its muted sound and polished, smooth feel. The Tomcat switch may offer a different auditory experience with its resonant qualities, but without further details on its tactile feedback, it's difficult to determine how it compares in that aspect. Ultimately, both offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to find suitable options based on sound and feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in shared office spaces or environments where noise is a concern, the Penguin switches are an ideal option. Their muted sound profile and polished feel make them suitable for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, thanks to their medium weight and rounded tactile bump. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother and more fluid typing experience with a lighter touch, the Tomcat switches may be the better choice. Their medium-light bottom out force paired with a super smooth Ly stem creates a fast and responsive feel that can be particularly advantageous for both gaming and fast-paced typing tasks. Ultimately, consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard—let the sound and feel of each switch guide your decision to enhance your overall experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more