Akko Penguin vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear switches can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Akko Penguin switch stands out as a silent tactile option, designed to deliver a mild yet satisfying feedback with every keystroke, making it perfect for office use where noise reduction is essential. Its medium weight provides an excellent balance, allowing for extensive typing sessions without undue strain. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters to gamers with its exceptionally low actuation force and a quick actuation point of just 1mm, enabling rapid-fire inputs crucial during intense gameplay. Although it offers a bright, clacky sound that might not be conducive to quiet environments, its smooth push feel is favored by those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches serve distinct purposes—one prioritizing comfort and silence, the other speed and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Akko Penguin and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a notable consistency, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material composition contributes to a cohesive typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature. Thus, users of either switch can expect similar auditory experiences when typing, as the nylon helps to mitigate the clatter typically associated with mechanical switches.
In spite of this similarity, it's essential to consider the potential implications for the overall feel of the switches. Given that both the Penguin and Vintage Citrus switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing on the typing sensation may be shared equally. The softness inherent in the nylon can enhance the tactile feedback during key presses, providing a satisfying experience when bottoming out or releasing the keys. With the sound absorption qualities of the nylon holding steady throughout the switches, users will inevitably find that each housing contributes harmoniously to both the sound and feel.
While the Akko Penguin and HMX Vintage Citrus rely on the same material to construct their housings, the design specifics and other features unique to each model could result in subtle differences in performance. For instance, any differences in switch design, such as stem shape or spring tension, could diversify the typing feel despite the shared nylon composition. However, with the same nylon used for both top and bottom housings in both models, typists can expect a baseline of similarity in sound and dampening qualities, leading to a comparably pleasant experience regardless of which switch is utilized.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium typing experience that balances ease of activation with a firm resistance at full depression. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams but has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This results in a medium-light typing experience, where users may find the actuation slightly more demanding than the Penguin, but the bottom out is comparatively less forceful. Therefore, the Akko Penguin is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, while the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to individuals seeking a more forceful push feel for their typing experience, particularly during long sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find that the Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3.0 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, catering to gamers who often prefer reduced travel for quicker response times. In contrast, the Penguin's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper and more tactile experience, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial feel during key presses. While both switches lean towards shorter travel, the Penguin provides a little more depth for those who enjoy a bit more feedback in their typing 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 considering sound, the Akko Penguin switches excel in delivering a muted auditory experience, making them particularly suitable for environments where noise must be kept to a minimum, such as offices. They produce a soft sound profile that ensures discreet typing without disturbing others, striking a capable balance between audible feedback and silence. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, designed for gamers, are notably absent in sound description, but their intended rapid-fire usage suggests a potentially clackier sound that may not align with the quiet ambiance favored by the Penguin. Ultimately, sound is also influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, so users of either switch should consider their specific setup for the best auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Penguin switches shine with a polished almost feathery touch, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances comfort. Their medium weight contributes to a mild and subtle tactile experience, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. This design caters well to both casual typists and regular users. The Vintage Citrus switches lack a detailed description regarding feel, but their intended purpose for rapid inputs implies they might prioritize a smooth and quick actuation suited for gaming. Thus, while the Penguin offers a more nuanced typing experience, the specifics of the Vintage Citrus feel remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Akko Penguin tactile switches are particularly well-suited for those searching for a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, providing comfort and feedback ideal for various environments. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to gamers focused on rapid input, although details about their tactile feel remain unspecified. While the two switches target different usage scenarios, the choice ultimately hinges on whether sound or typing dynamics are more critical to the user’s context, and the Penguin's performance in both areas might appeal to a broader audience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself often typing in shared or office environments where maintaining a quieter atmosphere is crucial, the Penguin switch is an excellent option. Its muted sound profile and polished feel deliver satisfying tactile feedback without creating excessive noise, which is beneficial for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're predominantly gaming or require rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus switch might be more up your alley. Its lower actuation force and quick response make it perfect for fast-paced gaming scenarios, while its clacky sound adds an engaging auditory element to your experience. Whether you prioritize a silent yet tactile feel or speed and responsiveness for gaming, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience.
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