Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced wobble for a premium typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight and unique in-switch lighting, it is categorized as smooth, buttery, mild, polished. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are designed for silent tactile feedback, making them ideal for quiet office settings. Featuring a rounded tactile bump and medium weight for a balance between responsiveness and comfort, they are categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, feathery, subtle. While the Black Lotus offers a smooth and precise typing experience, the Penguin provides quiet tactile feedback suitable for extended typing sessions. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko Penguin switches are both made of nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Black Lotus creates a unique and premium feel, while the Penguin's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience due to the characteristics of their nylon top housings.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ, with the Black Lotus housing made of a Modified PC and UPE Blend material. This material still provides a deep and full sound profile while offering a unique tactile feel. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder and duller sound when typing on the switches. Despite the difference in materials, both bottom housings have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and Akko Penguin switches share similarities in using nylon for their top housing, which imparts a deep and full sound profile during typing. However, the Black Lotus stands out with its unique Modified PC and UPE Blend bottom housing, offering a premium and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile and feel throughout the keystroke. Whether it's the unique blend of materials in the Black Lotus or the consistent use of nylon in the Penguin, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Penguin is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the Black Lotus is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. While the Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Penguin's lighter touch may be preferable for those who prioritize extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. Despite their differences in force requirements, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Penguin provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the Black Lotus for its longer travel distance, which can provide more feedback and a more deliberate key press. On the other hand, those looking for a faster response time may opt for the Akko Penguin with its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer unique experiences, with the Black Lotus catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel, while the Penguin appeals to those seeking a quicker, more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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.
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 it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for producing a neutral sound profile, which means it strikes a balance between loudness and quietness, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to individual preferences and requirements.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is celebrated for its silky and buttery typing experience, characterized by smooth key presses that minimize resistance and enhance overall typing comfort. Additionally, it is described as having a mild and polished feel, which adds to the refined typing sensation. Similarly, the Akko Penguin switch is also noted for its polished and mild feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for a comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, with a feathery and subtle tactile bump, the Penguin switch provides a gentle yet satisfying feedback with each press, minimizing finger strain and fatigue during prolonged typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus excels in providing a balanced sound profile and a smooth typing experience with a substantial actuation weight, the Penguin stands out for its muted sound and gentle tactile bump, enhancing typing comfort and minimizing noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are designed to deliver a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will receive similar levels of satisfaction regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with medium-heavy switches and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent tactile switch with a rounded tactile bump and medium weight for prolonged typing sessions in quiet environments, the Akko Penguin could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and benefits, so it's important to choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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