Akko Penguin vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming needs, two notable contenders surface: the Akko Penguin and the Gateron Weightlessness, both of which fall under the tactile category. The Akko Penguin switches are particularly appealing for those seeking a silent yet satisfying experience, with their medium weight and rounded tactile bump designed to provide a gentle feedback with each keystroke. This makes them an excellent option for office environments where noise reduction is crucial while ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, Gateron's Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, paired with a balanced sound profile, making them suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation without overwhelming auditory feedback. While both switches excel in providing tactile feedback, they cater to slightly different preferences, especially in noise sensitivity and tactile prominence. 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
50g
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
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Penguin and Gateron Weightlessness switches are constructed with nylon housings for both their top and bottom components, a material celebrated for its acoustic properties. Both switches benefit from nylon's inherent softness, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As such, users can expect a notably rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing, as the material effectively absorbs sound. In terms of the overall typing experience, both switches will yield similar sound characteristics thanks to their identical housing materials, which allows for a cohesive auditory signature regardless of the specific switch design.
When focusing on the nuances of each switch, one might speculate about subtle differences in the feel and acoustics due to their respective designs, despite the shared nylon composition. While both switches utilize the same housing materials, the overall feel upon bottoming out can still differ depending on the internal mechanisms or actuation points of the switches. Thus, while users can anticipate a relatively comparable sound profile, the tactile feedback and sensations during use may vary, inviting a unique typing experience from each switch. However, the consistent application of nylon in both cases ensures that the fundamental auditory qualities remain aligned.
Another point of interest is the impact of the housing's material on sound production during typing. Given that both the Penguin and the Weightlessness utilize the same nylon construction, users will find that the qualities imparted by the materials will not drastically change between the two. The top housing will dominate the sound produced when a key is released, while the bottom housing will play a significant role in the bottom-out sound. This uniformity in material across the top and bottom of each switch means that, regardless of small differences in design or mechanical components, users will generally encounter similar acoustic results, leading to an enhanced overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Weightlessness requires a heavier 50 grams to register a keystroke. This means that the Penguin switch is lighter and may be more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Penguin provides a measurable 60 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance when pressed down fully. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch's bottom out force remains unknown. Therefore, users seeking a heavier typing experience would find the Gateron Weightlessness more appealing, while those looking for a lighter feel may prefer the Akko Penguin. Overall, the differences in actuation force suggest that the Penguin may lead to less fatigue during long use, while the Weightlessness could offer a more solid tactile feedback experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's evident that the two offer distinct experiences. The Akko Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness features a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This slight difference means that the Weightlessness switch has the longer travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. In contrast, the Penguin's shorter travel distance may be more advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Akko Penguin is the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may gravitate towards the Gateron Weightlessness.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Akko Penguin and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches, the Penguin stands out for its muted tone, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The sound produced by the Penguin is soft and quiet, effectively minimizing the typical mechanical clack, which makes it appealing for both home and office use. In contrast, the specific auditory characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness are not documented, leaving an unknown aspect regarding its sound quality. However, it is suggested that the Weightlessness has a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile nature, which may indicate a more neutral sound without the pronounced clacking sounds commonly associated with louder switches.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin provides a polished and refined experience, offering smooth key travel thanks to its mild tactile bump. This not only enhances the overall typing experience but also reduces finger fatigue during extended usage. The mild and feathery qualities of the Penguin ensure that it remains approachable for most users, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the tactile feedback provided by the Gateron Weightlessness is described as subtle to moderate, but detailed characteristics about its feel remain unspecified. Thus, while the Penguin’s tactile feedback is well-defined and distinct, the Weightlessness appears to offer a more understated tactile experience without specific descriptors available for comparison.
In summary, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound and polished, refined feel, making it a versatile option for both casual typing and professional settings. The Gateron Weightlessness, while providing a balanced sound profile, lacks specific feel descriptors, leaving the tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. For those who prioritize noise reduction and a smooth typing experience, the Penguin is clearly the front-runner. However, if you lean toward a potentially less emphasized feel, the Weightlessness may still provide satisfactory performance, though the specifics of its characteristics remain to be explored. Ultimately, for users seeking either switch, you are likely to experience quality typing sessions tailored to your preferences, but the Akko Penguin may offer a more predictable and satisfying tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're seeking a switch that minimizes noise for a discreet typing experience, such as in an office environment, the Penguin is an excellent option. Its muted sound profile and polished feel provide a comfortable typing experience, especially during long sessions. The 60-gram bottom-out force balances responsiveness with ease of typing, making it suitable whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback without the need for specific sound management, the Weightlessness switch might be better for you. While its exact bottom-out force remains unknown, it promises a gentle experience that might be more forgiving for varied types of tactile feel while still offering a balanced sound profile. Therefore, consider your work environment, tactile preferences, and how much you value noise levels when making your decision.
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