Akko Penguin vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Penguin and HMX Twilight offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its subdued sound profile, making it an excellent option for office settings where noise reduction is paramount. With its rounded tactile bump and medium weight, this switch provides satisfying feedback for typists while promoting comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight is a linear switch that features an impressive travel distance of 3.85mm, allowing for a smoother keystroke experience. While it may still evoke the signature clackiness characteristic of HMX switches, it does so quietly—making it suitable for gamers and typists looking for speed without the auditory distraction. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and noise control or a smooth, linear action. 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko Penguin and HMX Twilight utilize nylon as their primary housing material, which is a well-regarded choice in the keyboard community. The use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings in these models leads to a consistent auditory experience, marked by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives. As a result, both switches produce a more rounded and duller sound, ensuring that users of either keyboard can expect a similar acoustic experience, enhancing overall typing satisfaction.
Although the Akko Penguin and HMX Twilight may feature nylon throughout, if there were a situation where they had different materials for their top and bottom housings, they would exhibit a split in tactile and auditory characteristics. The bottom housing of the switch plays a crucial role in the sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, impacting the bottom-out sounds. Conversely, the top housing is more significant during the release of the key, therefore affecting what the user hears when the key is released. However, given that both models employ nylon for their housings, this distinction does not apply here, and users can expect a unified feel and sound with each keypress across both keyboards.
Ultimately, since both the Akko Penguin and HMX Twilight share identical housing materials in both the top and bottom sections, they will deliver similar results in terms of typing experience. Users can anticipate a cohesive sound profile and tactile feedback, resulting in a delightful typing experience buoyed by the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. Thus, individuals selecting between the two will likely find equal satisfaction in performance, sound, and feel, allowing them to focus on other design elements or features when making their choice.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Penguin features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, characterizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Twilight operates with a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a notably lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means the Twilight offers a softer feel, which can enhance prolonged typing sessions, making it a great choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. Conversely, the Penguin's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer greater resistance and feedback. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in actuation force, the Twilight leans towards a lighter feel, while the Penguin delivers a heavier, more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that the Penguin, with a travel distance of 3.3 mm, is shorter than the Twilight, which has a travel distance of 3.85 mm. The difference between the two switches highlights the preference for shorter and longer travel distances in the context of gaming and typing. The Akko Penguin offers quicker actuation, appealing to gamers who favor faster response times, while the HMX Twilight caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback and depth with its longer travel distance. This distinction can influence the choice between the two switches, depending on personal preference for responsiveness versus tactile experience.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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, the Akko Penguin tactile switch stands out for its muted profile, designed specifically for environments where noise control is paramount. Its soft and quieter sound is complemented by a neutral sound quality, making it suitable for various settings, whether at home or in the office. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is characterized by its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which helps in producing a slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. While both switches can provide a quieter experience than traditional clacky switches, the Penguin offers a more silent alternative compared to the potentially more pronounced sound of the Twilight.
In terms of feel, the Penguin tactile switch has a polished surface that ensures smooth key travel and a refined typing experience. The switch's mild and feathery characteristics contribute to reduced finger fatigue during extended use, appealing to typists who seek both ease of use and comfort. The tactile bump is subtle enough not to be overwhelming, while still providing feedback for each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel qualities of the HMX Twilight switch are currently unknown, thus leaving a gap in direct comparison regarding its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko Penguin switch excels in sound dampening and a smooth, user-friendly feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize quietness and comfort during long typing sessions. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight switch still retains its own strengths with potentially quieter clacky sounds and an extended travel distance, appealing to another type of user. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each provide benefits that can enhance the typing experience in their unique ways, making your choice dependent on whether you prioritize silence and smoothness or a more traditional, responsive sound profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and environment. If you find yourself in a shared workspace or prefer a quieter typing experience, the Penguin is a fantastic option, providing a muted sound profile with a rounded tactile bump that delivers satisfying feedback without excessive noise. Its medium weight of 60 grams allows for a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for long hours of typing without inducing fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter switch that offers a bit more travel distance, the HMX Twilight with its 50-gram actuation force might suit you better. Its linear nature delivers a smooth and continuous keystroke, making it an excellent choice for gaming or for users who prefer a fluid typing feel without tactile interruptions. By considering the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal preference for feedback and sound, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall typing experience.
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