Akko Penguin vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. The Akko Penguin switch is perfect for office environments where noise reduction is essential, thanks to its silent tactile design. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a blend of familiarity and innovation with its medium-light actuation force and comfortable typing experience. While the Akko Penguin is known for its quiet profile, the WS Brown switch provides enthusiasts with a delightful auditory 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
N/A
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
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, both keyboards feature nylon top and bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both the Akko Penguin and the WS Brown keyboards.
However, despite both keyboards utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may still be slight differences in the overall sound and feel due to potential variations in the manufacturing process or design of the switches. The qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. These subtle distinctions may result in a slightly different typing experience between the Akko Penguin and the WS Brown keyboards, despite sharing the same housing material.
In conclusion, while the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both feature nylon housing materials for their switches, the nuances in design and manufacturing may lead to slightly varied typing experiences. Overall, users can expect a deep and full sound profile when typing on either keyboard due to the acoustic properties of nylon. Whether the differences in sound and feel are noticeable enough to affect user preference will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Penguin has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the WS Brown, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the WS Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light category. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Penguin for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the WS Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Penguin offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prioritize quick key presses. On the other hand, the WS Brown provides a bit more depth for a more satisfying tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking to minimize noise in office settings. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is currently unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, catering to those who prefer a smooth and refined feel with minimal finger fatigue. Conversely, details on the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch are not provided. Both switches seem to focus on providing a comfortable typing experience, with the Penguin offering a range of qualities like light actuation force and reduced friction.
In conclusion, while the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches share a focus on comfort and responsiveness, they differentiate in their sound profiles, with the Penguin leaning towards a muted and neutral sound and the WS Brown's sound profile remaining unknown. The Penguin excels in providing a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, while the WS Brown promises an elegant blend of familiarity and innovation. Ultimately, both switches seem to cater to individuals seeking tactile feedback without compromising on comfort, making them viable options for extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko Penguin tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a quiet switch suitable for office environments with a balanced tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation with a medium-light actuation force for fatigue-free typing, the WS Brown may be the better option for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your personal typing preferences and requirements.
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