Akko Penguin vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and the Jerrzi Violet both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that is perfect for office environments thanks to its silent operation and rounded tactile bump, providing a satisfying yet quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is also a tactile switch known for its smooth actuation and poppy tactility, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct characteristics when it comes to sound profile and overall performance. The Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Violet's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear construction ideal for RGB lighting. While both materials are classic switch housing options, they offer different results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Penguin and the Violet switches use nylon, providing a consistent deep and full sound profile with a dull and round quality. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, when comparing the contrast in top housing materials, the Penguin's nylon offers a softer and more absorbing quality for sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate provides a sharper and clearer sound profile. This difference highlights the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Akko Penguin and Jerrzi Violet can significantly impact the typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, the top housing materials offer distinct qualities such as softness and sound absorption with nylon, and sharpness and clarity with polycarbonate. Understanding the impact of each housing material on sound profile and feel can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics when choosing between these two switch options.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch's actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin requires 60 grams to fully press down, while information on the Violet's bottom out force is not available. This means that the Penguin provides a slightly lighter initial keystroke but requires more force to fully bottom out compared to the Violet switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Penguin offering a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time and the Violet providing a potentially more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the Penguin's slightly shorter travel distance may provide a slightly quicker response compared to the Violet. Some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Penguin to be more abrupt, while others may prefer the deeper feel of the Violet's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial key press feel.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize noise in office or shared environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch also offers a neutral sound signature, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience without being overly loud. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound that is not disruptive to those around you, allowing for a quiet and comfortable typing session.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue. The Jerrzi Violet switch, on the other hand, is described as stepped, providing a tactile feel that has two stages and a more subtle tactility compared to the Penguin. While the Penguin offers a light and comfortable typing experience, the Violet provides a unique tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, catering to those who prefer a different typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Penguin excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with its muted sound profile and polished feel, while the Violet offers a more distinct tactile sensation with its stepped design. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences that cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for an office setting, the Akko Penguin switch with its muted sound profile and medium weight may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation and gentle tactility for a balanced typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch might be more suitable, especially for general purposes at home or work. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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