Akko Penguin vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct yet appealing options, catering to different user preferences. The Akko Penguin switches exemplify a silent tactile experience, making them perfect for office environments where minimizing noise is essential. Their rounded tactile bump provides satisfying feedback during each keystroke while ensuring a muted sound profile, and their medium weight allows for comfortable typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches deliver a bright and clacky sound signature, complemented by a silky smooth keystroke that many gamers and typists find exhilarating. This hallmark is due to their Hall Effect design, offering unique responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the muted elegance of the Penguin and the lively feedback of the WS Dash depends on your typing environment and personal style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Penguin Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a distinct contrast emerges in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Akko Penguin utilizes nylon, a classic plastic known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This characteristic of nylon, being a softer material, allows it to dampen vibrations effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound when the keys are actuated. In contrast, the WS Dash opts for a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic yields a sharper and higher-pitched sound, resulting in a crisper auditory feedback. The translucency of polycarbonate also means that it is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant illumination that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.

While the top housing materials of both keyboards differ significantly, their bottom housings share a common characteristic, as both the Akko Penguin and the WS Dash are constructed with nylon. This consistency in bottom housing materials means that both switches will produce a similar sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon keystrokes, providing that characteristic dampened feedback during typing. As such, even though the two switches differ in their top housing sound profiles, the similarity in their bottom housing allows for a comparable tactile experience when the keys are fully pressed down.

In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of these housing materials means that the Akko Penguin will deliver a more muted and round sound while typing, appealing to those who prefer a quieter and less aggressive sound profile. Meanwhile, the WS Dash will offer a sharper auditory experience, which may suit typists seeking a more immediate and pronounced feedback from their keystrokes. Both switches thus provide a unique experience rooted in the distinct characteristics of their respective materials, yet the shared nylon in the bottom housing ensures that certain qualities remain consistent, allowing users to appreciate both keyboards' unique sound profiles while enjoying the familiarity of nylon's soft touch.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Penguin switch has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a heavier option. This can provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer, especially in a work or gaming environment where feedback is important. In contrast, the WS Dash switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This lighter setup allows for longer typing sessions with less strain on the fingers, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. Overall, the Penguin is the heavier switch, while the WS Dash is the lighter choice, offering distinct tactile experiences based on personal preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Akko Penguin features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the WS Dash may offer a more pronounced depth, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Penguin makes it more suitable for those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. Overall, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Akko Penguin would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the WS Dash caters to those who appreciate a more traditional and deeper switch feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, the differences are quite pronounced. The Penguin switches are designed for a muted experience, characterized by a softer, quieter sound that makes them well-suited for office settings or environments where noise minimization is essential. This muted quality allows them to be non-intrusive, lacking the clackiness commonly associated with other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches produce a bright and clacky sound signature, adding a lively auditory element to the typing experience. This distinct sound can enhance the enjoyment of each keystroke but may not be ideal for quiet workspaces, given its more noticeable acoustic presence.

In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switches provide a nuanced tactile experience, featuring a relatively smooth and polished finish. The tactile bump is rounded, delivering satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, which can be especially appealing for those engaged in prolonged typing sessions. They are crafted to minimize finger fatigue, with a mild yet polished sensation that promotes comfort during extended use. Conversely, the specific feel characteristics of the WS Dash switches are not detailed; however, the pairing of a silky smooth keystroke with Hall Effect technology typically suggests a degree of refinement and fluidity in typing. This could indicate a modern and advanced typing feel that multitaskers, gamers, and typists would appreciate, though the exact tactile feedback remains unspecified.

In conclusion, the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches serve distinct purposes defined by their sound and feel. The Penguins excel in settings where silence and comfort are paramount, making them a perfect option for office environments, while the WS Dash switches offer a more vibrant auditory experience more suited for individual enjoyment or casual setups. Both switches cater to different preferences; thus, your choice will largely depend on your specific needs—whether you prioritize noise reduction and comfort, or a lively and dynamic typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you find yourself in an office environment or a shared space where noise control is essential, the Akko Penguin is your go-to. Its muted sound profile and relatively rounded tactile bump provide a satisfying yet discreet typing experience, striking a comfortable balance for prolonged use while minimizing distraction. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more vibrant typing experience, perhaps for gaming or creative work where tactile feedback and sound add to the enjoyment, the WS Dash may be the ideal choice. With its silky smooth keystrokes and bright, clacky sound signature, it brings an engaging aspect to your typing while still providing a refined feel. So, assess your environment and what you value most in a switch—whether it's silence and comfort or sound and smoothness—and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn more