Akko Penguin vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko Penguin switch exemplifies a tactile experience, designed for users who appreciate the satisfying feedback of a rounded tactile bump while enjoying a quieter operation, making it particularly well-suited for office environments. With its medium weight, the Penguin offers a fine balance between responsiveness and comfort, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without wearing out the user. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) aligns more with linear switch enthusiasts who prioritize smoothness and precision. This heavier variant of the classic Xinhai switch features a PA12 top housing for soft acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp feel with each keystroke. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing tactile feedback and quiet operation, and the other focusing on a smooth, linear experience—they each bring unique benefits to the table. 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

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Akko Penguin and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings, making them comparable in terms of sound profile and tactile characteristics. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, contributes to the deeper and fuller sound produced when typing. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastic materials. As a result, both keyboards are likely to deliver a similar auditory experience, with the sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder quality, providing a pleasant typing atmosphere that many users appreciate.

While both models share the same nylon construction for their housings, the differentiation between the top and bottom switch components still plays a vital role in the overall typing experience. Given that nylon is employed in both sections, the sound and feel attributed to the switch will have a consistent tonal quality across both keyboards. The bottom housing's primary influence is felt when bottoming out, as it significantly shapes the impact sound and feedback produced during keypresses. Conversely, the top housing impacts the auditory response when a key is released, leading to a more uniform experience across both boards.

Furthermore, even though the Akko Penguin and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feature identical housing materials, the subtleties in design or construction could create nuanced differences in their performance. However, since both use nylon for top and bottom housings, users can expect the fundamental properties and sound characteristics to remain consistent. Overall, the similarities in housing material result in similar sound profiles and tactile sensations, fostering a comparable experience for typists seeking quality keyboards with a focus on auditory retention and softness.

Weight

The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it on the lighter side of the spectrum. In contrast, the Xinhai switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating it is a heavier option. This difference means that the Penguin may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Xinhai caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced push feel that heavier switches provide. Despite their similar bottom out forces, the overall experience may vary significantly due to the difference in actuation forces, which ultimately affects user preference and choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances, with the Penguin measuring at 3.3 mm and the Xinhai (Heavy) at 3.4 mm. This makes the Akko Penguin the shorter option between the two, offering a quicker response time that might appeal to gamers seeking faster actuation. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) with its longer travel distance may provide a deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Although both switches come close in travel distance, the Penguin’s 3.3 mm depth will result in a more immediate engagement, making it a better choice for those who value speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is specifically designed to produce a muted and neutral audio profile. This makes it a great choice for environments like offices, where minimizing noise is essential. The muted sound characteristic means that the actuation and release of keys are softer compared to traditional mechanical switches, making them discreet in use. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch's sound profile is currently unknown; however, it is important to note that factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material can influence the overall sound signature of both switch types.

In terms of feel, the Penguin switch offers a polished typing experience characterized by reduced friction and smooth key travel, which can lead to a more refined and enjoyable typing sensation. Its tactile bump is designed to be mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance that makes it user-friendly and approachable for a wide range of users, while also ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. The Xinhai (Heavy) switch, on the other hand, does not have a specified feel in the provided information, leaving its tactile experience open to interpretation.

In summary, if you're considering the Akko Penguin tactile switch, expect a muted sound along with a plush and comforting feel that makes it suitable for prolonged use, particularly in quieter settings. While the Xinhai (Heavy) switch maintains an air of mystery regarding its sound and feel, it may offer a different sensory experience, potentially favoring a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to unique preferences that could lead to satisfying typing experiences, so personal testing may be the best way to determine which aligns more with your style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch should be guided by your specific needs and typing environment. If you’re in an office or shared space where noise is a concern, the Penguin switch is the better option due to its muted sound profile and satisfying rounded tactile bump, offering both feedback and discretion while you type. It's particularly advantageous for those who engage in long typing sessions, as the medium weight helps to reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that provides a more pronounced but subtle resonance, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is an excellent choice. With its crisp, higher-pitched sound and robust feel, it caters well to users who appreciate a bit of sophistication in their typing experience, particularly in gaming or focused work settings. Ultimately, assess the environment in which you will be using your keyboard, your typing style, and your personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback and sound, and choose accordingly to enhance your overall experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn more