Akko Penguin vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, stands out for its silent operation, making it a prime candidate for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. With a rounded tactile bump, the Penguin offers pleasing feedback with each keystroke while maintaining a medium weight, which provides a harmonious blend of responsiveness and comfort, perfect for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch is celebrated for its seamless keystrokes and a deep, satisfying "thock" sound, delivering an unmatched typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish. While the WS POM+ eschews the tactile feedback of the Penguin in favor of a smoother action, its unique acoustic signature can appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience. Ultimately, each switch offers distinct benefits tailored to different preferences and environments; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Penguin Tactile

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$3.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, several similarities and differences emerge that significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Akko Penguin features top and bottom housings made from nylon, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic creates a duller and rounder sound by dampening vibrations, leading to a pleasing typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a similarly muted yet uniquely satisfying sound. POM, being a different type of synthetic polymer, contributes to a deeper sound profile while offering a distinct experience in terms of tactile feedback.

Despite the differences in material composition, both the nylon from the Akko Penguin and the POM from the WS POM+ achieve a sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. This shared characteristic means that while users may notice variations in the tactile feedback and acoustic qualities—thanks to the differing properties of nylon and POM—the end result in terms of overarching sound signature remains consistent. Users can expect a pleasurable typing experience from both products, enjoying the rich sound output that each material offers in its own way.

In practical terms, the impact of these materials reveals itself during use, especially in the context of how the bottom and top housings contribute to overall performance. For the Akko Penguin, the nylon's sound dampening properties will affect how the bottoming out feels and sounds during typing. Similarly, the POM in the WS POM+ will provide a unique feel and sound at the point of actuation and release. Thus, while the two switches employ different materials, the resultant sound profiles are comparable—both offer a satisfying auditory experience, although nuances in tactile response and characteristic feel will differ based on the distinct properties of nylon and POM.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the WS POM+ features a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Penguin is the lighter switch when it comes to actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the WS POM+ switch, while requiring a bit more force to actuate, gives a lighter feel when bottoming out, which may suit those who prefer a less jarring typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-light feel, but the Akko Penguin would appeal more to typists seeking a lighter touch overall, while the WS POM+ provides a balanced option with slightly different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Akko Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS POM+ features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Penguin the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker response times, which can be beneficial for gaming and fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the WS POM+ provides a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, which some may find preferable for a more satisfying keypress experience. Thus, individuals should choose based on their personal preferences; the Akko Penguin is ideal for those seeking a snappier response, whereas the WS POM+ is suited for those who appreciate a deeper key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch excels in providing a muted and neutral auditory profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where quietness is essential. The softened sound produced minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for use in shared spaces without disrupting colleagues. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch is noted for its deep and satisfying "thock" sound, which suggests a more pronounced auditory experience that some may find engaging but potentially louder than that of the Penguin switch. Because sound can be influenced by factors like the board and keycaps, those who prefer a quieter setup might gravitate towards the Penguin, while others looking for a more resonant typing experience may prefer the WS POM+.

When considering feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, emphasizing smooth key travel and a gentle resistance that is approachable for most users. This mix of a rounded tactile bump with medium weight ensures that typing is both satisfying and fatigue-free, suitable for long sessions. The feathery and subtle qualities of the Penguin further enhance this by allowing for light pressure without strain. Meanwhile, details about the feel of the WS POM+ switch are not available, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in this aspect. Depending on its construction, the WS POM+ could provide a vastly different tactile experience that may or may not match the refined characteristics of the Penguin.

In conclusion, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch present unique qualities suited to different preferences. The Penguin offers a quiet, polished, and mild experience ideal for prolonged use in shared spaces, while the WS POM+ is characterized by its engaging sound signature that promises a different auditory feedback during typing. Choosing between them will largely depend on whether the user prioritizes quietness and the comforting feel of a tactile switch or the engaging nature of a pronounced auditory experience. Each can cater to specific needs, but they embody distinct philosophies in mechanical switch design.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you’ll be using them. If you’re seeking a switch that offers a comforting tactile feedback while keeping noise to a minimum—especially beneficial in shared office environments—the Akko Penguin is your best bet. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and a rounded tactile bump, it provides a balanced experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it ideal for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear typing experience with an enjoyable "thock" sound and slightly lower actuation force of 55 grams, the WS POM+ will serve you well. Its all-POM construction enhances the overall typing experience, providing a buttery-smooth keystroke that's perfect for those who appreciate the subtleties in sound and feel. In essence, the Akko Penguin excels in environments where noise control is paramount, while the WS POM+ appeals to those who favor smoothness and auditory feedback, catering to your individual style and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$3.90 per 10

Learn more