Akko Penguin vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Penguin and the TTC Venus offer distinct experiences for users. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that excels in providing a quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between feedback and ease of use, perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative internal design, featuring a unique "Q-texture" that offers a smooth and engaging typing sensation. With a very light actuation and a muted sound signature, the Venus promises rapid and effortless typing while enveloping each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the TTC Venus switches showcase some key differences in sound profiles. The Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing provides a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper but more muted compared to nylon. This contrast in sound profiles reflects the different properties of nylon and POM materials, offering users a choice in sound experience based on their preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Akko Penguin's nylon material again brings a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Meanwhile, the TTC Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that is more resonant. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the choice of plastic can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and more distinct sound, these options cater to a variety of user preferences.
While the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and TTC Venus switches offer unique sound profiles, they share the commonality of providing a high-quality typing experience. Both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback, ensuring users receive a satisfying typing experience regardless of the material used. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a balanced sound profile that combines the properties of both materials, resulting in a versatile switch that can cater to a wide range of typing preferences. Ultimately, whether one prefers the deeper sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both the Akko Penguin and TTC Venus switches offer excellent quality and performance.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we can see that while both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force, the Penguin requires 43 grams compared to the Venus's slightly higher 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin requires 60 grams, making it heavier than the Venus, which bottoms out at 52 grams. This means that the Venus switch offers a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Penguin switch. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Penguin providing a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Venus allows for smoother and lighter keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the Venus. A shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches offer a unique feel, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a shorter, more responsive feel, the Akko Penguin may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the TTC Venus may be more to your liking. In general, the travel distance of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience, so it's essential to consider this factor when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 offers a muted and neutral typing experience, minimizing noise for quiet environments while still providing a satisfying feedback with each press. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch produces a low-pitched, subdued sound, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. Both switches provide a more subtle sound signature compared to other switches, making them suitable for shared spaces or office environments where noise minimization is key.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. The switch's feathery and subtle characteristics make it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Conversely, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery, gummy feel with frictionless key travel, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The switch's mild and polished attributes contribute to a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Penguin switch focuses on providing a quiet and balanced typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, the Venus switch emphasizes a smooth and engaging typing sensation with a unique "matte" feeling. Depending on personal preference and typing environment, users can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and performance with either switch, as they both strive to provide an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Penguin tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your environment and preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and medium-weight switches that strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Akko Penguin could be the ideal choice, particularly for office settings where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique "matte" sensation with light actuation force for rapid typing and enjoy a smooth and engaging typing experience, the TTC Venus linear switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences, whether it be a more muted and neutral sound profile with the Penguin switch or a low-pitched and buttery feel with the Venus switch. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
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