Akko Penguin vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with a decision between a tactile and a linear switch. The Akko Penguin is perfect for those working in quiet office environments, thanks to its silent tactile nature and medium weight which strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, making it a delight to type on. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion use nylon for their bottom housing, offering a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This commonality in housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ significantly. While the Penguin utilizes nylon in its top housing, which again provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, the WS Onion opts for polycarbonate, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a more clear and resonant typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. So, depending on whether one prefers a rounder sound with nylon or a crisper sound with polycarbonate, the choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion play a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, providing a consistent sound profile, the differing top housing materials - nylon for the Penguin and polycarbonate for the WS Onion - offer distinct sound characteristics. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound with nylon or a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate will ultimately influence the choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, one can see that the Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the WS Onion's actuation force is not specified. However, the bottom out force of the Penguin is 60 grams, which is lighter than the WS Onion's 63.5 grams. This means that the Penguin offers a lighter typing experience overall. In terms of preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Penguin, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may choose the WS Onion due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for fast actions. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer different tactile sensations based on their travel distances, so selecting the one that best suits your typing style and preferences is essential. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Onion will depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your switches.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 comparing the sound of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments, whether it be at home or in an office setting. The muted sound of the Penguin switch offers a quieter typing experience compared to the WS Onion, but both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing sound without being overly loud.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin switch is described as having a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. These qualities indicate that the switch is smooth, gentle, light to press, and offers a comfortable typing feel for extended use. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is described as having a buttery and polished feel. This suggests that the WS Onion switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
Overall, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Penguin switch focuses on providing a muted sound and a polished, mild typing feel, the WS Onion switch prioritizes a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, either of these switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a quiet and satisfying tactile typing experience, the Akko Penguin switches would be the ideal choice for you. With their medium bottom out force and muted sound profile, they are perfect for office environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches would be more suitable for you. With their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, they offer a crisp and responsive keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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