Akko Penguin vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a linear switch. The Akko Penguin switch is designed for those who seek a silent tactile experience, making it perfect for office settings where noise reduction is essential. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, these switches offer a satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is favored by gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, these switches offer a swift and precise typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and feel of typing. The Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature that enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials excel in enhancing sound quality, the nylon top housing of the Penguin offers a softer and more muted typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver provides a clearer and more distinct sound output.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Akko Penguin and the Outemu Yellow Silver utilize nylon, which contributes to a rich and full sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon plastic in the bottom housing of these switches allows for maximum sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound output. Despite their different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material, particularly in the bottom part of the switch, plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound characteristics.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Akko Penguin and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offers a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences. While the Penguin's nylon top housing creates a softer and deeper sound, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Similarly, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent and full-bodied sound output. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound quality and feel can help users make an informed choice based on their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch at 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Penguin at 60 grams and the Yellow Silver at 55 grams. The Penguin switch offers a medium actuation and bottom out force, while the Yellow Silver switch falls more on the medium-light side. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of use, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for users who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel, the Akko Penguin switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Penguin has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Penguin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying, "hearty" feel to key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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, both the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments without being too obtrusive. The Penguin switch, however, is specifically designed to be muted, providing a quieter typing experience compared to the Yellow Silver switch. When it comes to feel, the Penguin switch is known for its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, details on the feel of the Yellow Silver switch are unknown. Overall, while both switches offer similar neutral sound profiles, the Penguin switch stands out for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a balanced mix of tactile feedback and smooth key travel, making it an ideal choice for office environments. If a user prefers a lighter actuation force and faster responsiveness, the Yellow Silver switch may be a better option for gaming or typing tasks that require speed and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and performance needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and enjoy a tactile feedback with medium bottom out force, the Akko Penguin switch would be a great choice, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed, responsiveness, and a light actuation force, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable, particularly for gamers and those who prefer a swift typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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