Akko Penguin vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that excels in silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments where noise reduction is essential. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin provides satisfying feedback and balance between responsiveness and comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow is a linear switch known for its timeless fusion of classic materials and advanced engineering. Featuring a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches deliver a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Additionally, their lightweight design ensures effortless keystrokes for a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Both the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound, which can be pleasing to users who prefer a more muted typing experience. In terms of construction, the nylon top and bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing on them.
Despite both housing materials being nylon, there may be subtle differences in the sound and feel of typing on the Akko Penguin versus the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. This could be attributed to variations in the design and dimensions of the housings, as well as any additional components used in the switches. While the basic properties of nylon remain consistent across both switches, slight differences in manufacturing processes or design choices may impact the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, users may find that these differences in housing materials contribute to a unique feel and sound when typing on each switch.
It is important to note that the bottom housing of a switch typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Yellow plays a crucial role in shaping the tactile experience of pressing down on the keys, while the top housing affects the sound produced when keys are released. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions when selecting a switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they both fall into the medium weight category in terms of actuation force. The Akko Penguin requires 43 grams of force to actuate, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Akko Penguin is heavier at 60 grams compared to the WS Yellow's 53 grams, making the WS Yellow the lighter option between the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the WS Yellow may be the better choice. Each switch offers a different typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preference 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 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Yellow. The Penguin's 3.3 mm travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for a quicker response time, while the WS Yellow's 3.8 mm travel distance might be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, making it a great option for those looking to minimize noise in office environments without sacrificing tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch doesn't have any specific sound descriptors provided, but it is likely to produce a smooth and consistent sound due to its lightweight design and material blend. When comparing these two switches, both are expected to provide relatively quiet operation, with the Penguin offering a more defined tactile feedback compared to the smooth linear feel of the WS Yellow.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Penguin is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, highlighting a smooth and light typing experience with gentle resistance perfect for extended typing sessions. The Wuque Studio WS Yellow, on the other hand, is described as creamy, mild, and polished, emphasizing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Penguin focusing more on a light and gentle feel, while the WS Yellow highlighting a creamy and buttery texture to each keystroke.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we see that the Penguin excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a well-defined tactile bump, making it suitable for office environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the WS Yellow offers a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a lightweight design that promotes effortless keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences and the specific use case, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and medium weight for extended typing sessions, the Akko Penguin switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a delightful bounce, lightweight feel, and a familiar sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is the perfect choice. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. Choose wisely based on your needs and enjoy a fantastic typing experience with either of these high-quality switches.
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