Akko Penguin vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it's important to consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. The Akko Penguin is a great choice for those who value a silent tactile experience, making it perfect for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile, offering a different typing experience altogether. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Akko Penguin and the KTT Wine Red have distinct differences in their housing materials, with the Penguin utilizing nylon for both its top and bottom housing while the Wine Red opts for polycarbonate in the same areas. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound because of its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. The aesthetic difference between the two materials is also apparent, with polycarbonate being translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its typist-friendly sound.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and KTT Wine Red ultimately serve the same purpose of enhancing the typing experience by influencing the sound and feel of the key press. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique combination of qualities to be felt when using the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. Though nylon and polycarbonate offer distinct sound profiles, both materials contribute to creating a satisfying typing experience for users.
In summary, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing in switches like the Akko Penguin and KTT Wine Red comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. Nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate's stiffness produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in aesthetics, with polycarbonate's translucent nature being ideal for RGB lighting, adds another layer of distinction between the two materials. Ultimately, both housing materials contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience and offer a unique tactile and auditory experience for users.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch and KTT Wine Red linear switch both fall into the medium weight category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin requires 43 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. Both switches offer a balance between the lightness preferred for extended typing sessions and the heavier feel desired for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the Penguin is slightly lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Wine Red falls on the lighter side of medium in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red may be the better option, while those looking for a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Penguin.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see that the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wine Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin's 3.3 mm travel distance provides a quicker and more responsive feel when pressing the keys, making it ideal for gamers who require fast response times. On the other hand, the Wine Red's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Penguin offering a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, and the Wine Red providing a longer travel distance for a more deliberate 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 more muted and neutral profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience in office environments. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and rich auditory feedback to the user. Depending on personal preference, one can choose between the subtle and refined sound of the Penguin or the more pronounced and bass-heavy sound of the Wine Red, keeping in mind that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps.
Moving onto the feel of the switches, the Akko Penguin offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, catering to users looking for a smooth and comfortable keypress with minimal finger strain. In comparison, details about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch are unavailable. However, based on the description of a pillowy light type feel in combination with a satisfyingly deep sound profile, users can expect a smooth key action with a soft touch that is gentle on the fingers.
In conclusion, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch is best suited for those seeking a quiet and refined typing experience with a balanced tactile bump and medium weight, the KTT Wine Red linear switch caters to users who enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile paired with a softer keypress feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences, regardless of whether the user values a quieter sound or a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your primary usage and preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and a balanced tactile feel, the Akko Penguin switch with its medium weight and rounded tactile bump is a great choice, especially for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light and pillowy typing feel with a deep, rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch may be more to your liking. The Wine Red switch offers a lower bottom out force and a unique bassy sound, which can be satisfying for those looking for a different typing experience. Think about your typing style, environment, and desired sound and feel when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
