Akko Penguin vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are both excellent options for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Akko Penguin is a silent tactile switch that is perfect for office environments where noise reduction is important. It offers a satisfying feedback with each press thanks to its rounded tactile bump, all while maintaining a quiet profile. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile by Wuque Studio provides a smooth and snappy typing experience with a perceptible tactile bump, all without adding extra noise. While the Penguin is more polished and muted, the WS Light Tactile is described as stepped and easy-to-press. Both switches are great for prolonged typing sessions, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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 Light Tactile Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$4.20 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. With nylon being a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, both switches can provide a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent sound and typing experience for users.

However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Akko Penguin features a nylon top housing, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The difference in materials leads to distinct sound profiles, with the Penguin offering a softer and more absorbing sound due to nylon, and the WS Light Tactile providing a sharper and crisper sound thanks to the stiffer polycarbonate material. This contrast in top housing materials gives users the option to choose between a more resonant sound with the WS Light Tactile or a deeper sound with the Akko Penguin.

In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the WS Light Tactile allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the opaque nylon top housing of the Akko Penguin may not allow for such lighting effects but still offers a classic and timeless look. While both switches may differ in their top housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both provide quality typing experiences with their nylon bottom housings, ensuring users can enjoy a comfortable and satisfying typing feel.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Penguin has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Akko Penguin has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, which means that users will need to apply more pressure when pressing all the way down compared to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Akko Penguin provides a medium actuation force with a heavier bottom out force, while the WS Light Tactile offers a light actuation force and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko Penguin switch. The Akko Penguin switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer their own benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Akko Penguin being the shorter option and the WS Light Tactile being the longer option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate level of sound, making them suitable for various environments such as home or work settings. While the Penguin switch is specifically noted for its muted nature, minimizing noise associated with mechanical keyboards, the WS Light Tactile offers a more general appeal in terms of sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches in terms of sound may come down to personal preference and environmental considerations.

In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. These qualities translate to a smooth and refined typing feel with a gentle keypress that minimizes finger fatigue and is suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is labeled as stepped and easy-to-press. This means that it provides a more mild tactile bump with a light actuation force, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. The stepped design of the WS Light Tactile may appeal to those who prefer a slightly more distinct tactile feel compared to the rounded bump of the Penguin.

Overall, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Penguin switch prioritizes a quieter typing experience with its muted sound and polished, feathery feel, the WS Light Tactile switch focuses on maintaining smoothness with a stepped design and easy-to-press nature. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound levels, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience. However, given their similar descriptions in certain aspects, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel, with slight variations based on personal preference.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko Penguin tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for office use with a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Akko Penguin switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and perceptible tactile bump with a light bottom out force, the WS Light Tactile switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what kind of typing experience you are looking for before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your individual typing preferences and requirements.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile Tactile

$4.20 per 10

Learn more