Akko Penguin vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and the Durock White Lotus both offer unique features tailored to specific preferences. The Akko Penguin is a silent tactile switch, perfect for office environments where noise reduction is essential. It provides a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback while remaining quiet during use. With a medium weight, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a light tactile experience, designed for those who appreciate delicate tactility. With a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, these switches add a captivating aesthetic to any keyboard setup. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Akko Penguin and the Durock White Lotus both feature top housings made of different materials, with the Penguin utilizing nylon and the White Lotus using a modified PC & UPE Blend. While both materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties which absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the modified PC & UPE Blend in the White Lotus provides a unique and premium feel to the typing experience. Despite the different materials used, both switches offer a high-quality sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Akko Penguin and the Durock White Lotus feature nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is praised for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its soft plastic properties that absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a more muted and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. With both switches utilizing the same bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent sound profile and typing experience across the two switches.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Durock White Lotus, it is evident that each material brings a unique contribution to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with deep and full sound profiles. Whether typing on the Akko Penguin with its nylon top and bottom housing or the Durock White Lotus with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing, users can expect a premium feel and sound with either switch.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin requires 60 grams, making it heavier than the White Lotus, which bottoms out at 56 grams. The Penguin offers a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force, while the White Lotus provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, but the White Lotus leans towards the lighter side of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired typing feel and force required for optimal performance.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the White Lotus's longer travel distance offers a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so consider your preference for responsiveness versus depth when selecting a switch.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for office settings where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison, providing a soothing auditory experience that is well-suited for extended typing sessions. Both switches fall under the category of neutral in terms of sound, ensuring that they are versatile options for a wide range of users and environments.
In regard to the feel of the switches, the Akko Penguin offers a polished and mild typing experience that is smooth and refined, reducing friction and providing a sleek feel with each key press. The light and feathery actuation of the switch also helps to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Similarly, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides an easy-to-press and mild typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact sensation. Both switches feature a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, making them comfortable options for extended use.
Overall, while the Akko Penguin and Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer slightly different qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience that is suitable for various usage scenarios. Whether you prefer a quieter switch like the Penguin for office use or a more soothing switch like the White Lotus for extended typing sessions, you can expect comparable results in terms of overall performance and user satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches cater to the preferences of discerning typists looking for a tactile switch option that offers a blend of comfort, responsiveness, and a touch of elegance.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you require a quiet typing experience for office settings or shared spaces, the Akko Penguin switch with its muted sound profile and balanced tactile feedback is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a light tactile option with vibrant RGB lighting effects for a more personalized setup, the Durock White Lotus switch featuring a low-pitched sound and delicate tactility might be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall aesthetic will guide your decision in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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