Akko Penguin vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it's clear that both options have their own unique features to offer. The Akko Penguin is designed with a focus on silence, making it an excellent choice for office environments where noise reduction is key. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches strike a balance between satisfying feedback and ease of use, perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 boasts a sharp tactile bump and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a unique typing experience. While both switches excel in providing a quiet typing experience, the Akko Penguin leans towards a more subtle and neutral feel, while the Gazzew U4 offers a sharper and more low-pitched tactile feedback. 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

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Penguin and Gazzew U4 both use unique housing materials for their switches, with the Penguin utilizing a nylon top and bottom housing and the U4 incorporating a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housings. While both materials are known for their softness and ability to absorb sound, the Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," is said to deliver a richer and deeper sound profile compared to nylon. This difference in sound profile may be more noticeable when typing on the switches, as the bottom housing of the U4 will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.

In terms of construction, the nylon housing of the Akko Penguin and the Gazzew blend housing of the U4 both offer a softer plastic material that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a quieter and more rounded sound when typing on these switches compared to harder plastics. However, the proprietary Gazzew blend is specifically designed to provide a rich and deep sound profile, potentially offering a more immersive typing experience compared to the nylon housing of the Penguin. While both materials aim to enhance the sound quality of the switches, the Gazzew blend may provide a more nuanced and dynamic typing experience for users looking for a distinct sound signature.

Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Penguin and Gazzew U4 housing materials may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. While both switches use soft housing materials to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Gazzew blend in the U4 may offer a more unique and immersive typing experience compared to the traditional nylon housing of the Penguin. Whether you prefer a richer sound profile with the Gazzew blend or a more classic typing experience with the nylon housing, both switches are designed to enhance the overall sound quality and feel of your mechanical keyboard.

Weight

The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both have medium actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a balanced typing experience. The Penguin has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the U4's 45 grams, while the Penguin also has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the U4's 62 grams. This difference, although minor, may be noticeable to some users who have a preference for lighter switches. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force requirements, providing a comfortable feel for extended typing sessions. Whether someone prefers a lighter or heavier feel will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing habits.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we can see that the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the U4 has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in the Penguin feeling more abrupt to some users, while the U4 may provide a slightly deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Akko Penguin and Gazzew U4 switches are categorized as muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. However, the U4 switches have an additional descriptor of low-pitched, meaning they offer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. Ultimately, both switches will offer a noise-minimizing typing experience suitable for various environments, with the U4 switches potentially providing a slightly deeper tone.

In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switches are described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle feedback and a light actuation force. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are characterized by a sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity with each keypress. While the Penguin switches aim for a balanced and comfortable typing feel, the U4 switches offer a more pronounced and distinct tactile sensation for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience.

Overall, both the Akko Penguin and Gazzew U4 switches are solid options for those looking for a silent tactile switch with unique characteristics. The Penguin switches prioritize a well-rounded and balanced typing experience with a focus on noise reduction, while the U4 switches offer a sharper tactile bump for those who seek a more pronounced tactile feedback. In the end, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the sound profile and tactile feel desired during typing sessions.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are working in a noise-sensitive office setting and value a quieter typing experience, the Akko Penguin switch would be a great choice with its muted sound profile and balanced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation while still maintaining a quiet environment, the Gazzew U4 switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choose based on what best aligns with your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more