Akko Penguin vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch. The Akko Penguin is the ideal choice for those working in quiet office environments, thanks to its silent tactile switches that offer a satisfying feedback with each press while keeping noise to a minimum. With a medium weight and rounded tactile bump, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a bouncy feel with a enjoyably standard spring weight, appealing to a wide range of users. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and 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
59g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a stark contrast in sound profiles. The Penguin's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This creates a more clear and resonant sound overall. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue allows for RGB lighting, giving it an advantage in visual appeal.
Despite their different housing materials, both the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a unique typing experience. The nylon housing of the Penguin elicits a distinct sound profile that is deep and fuller, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue produces a sharper and crisper sound that is clear and resonant, enhancing the overall typing sensation. While their sound profiles differ, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is tailored to individual preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Penguin and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches comes down to personal preference. The nylon housing of the Penguin offers a softer, deeper sound profile that some users may find more satisfying, while the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue provides a sharper and crisper sound that appeals to others. Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when a key is released. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, these switches cater to diverse typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. The Akko Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akko Penguin requires 60 grams, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue needs 67 grams. This means that the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a heavier overall typing experience compared to the Akko Penguin. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Akko Penguin, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin offers a quicker response time, making it a favorite among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deeper key press experience, which some users find more satisfying. Both switches offer different advantages based on their travel distances. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for fast responses, the Akko Penguin is the better choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper key press, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and users. The Penguin offers a muted sound, ideal for quieter office settings, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound that enhances the typing experience. However, the actual sound produced will also be influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and functionality, catering to users who prefer a lighter typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Akko Penguin and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a satisfactory typing experience. The Penguin excels in providing a quieter typing experience, suitable for office environments, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more tactile and bouncy feel with a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using them. If you value a quieter typing experience and need a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is a great choice, especially for office settings where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a deep and satisfying sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch could be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences in sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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