TTC Brother vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Brother switch stands out for its lightweight and breezy actuation, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, it provides a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch from Akko is designed for silent tactile typing, making it a great choice for quieter environments like offices. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, it offers a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Akko Penguin both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Brother featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Penguin uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Penguin creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother is more likely to result in a clearer and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Penguin will provide a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the TTC Brother and Akko Penguin use nylon for this component, offering similar qualities in sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on switches that use nylon in the bottom housing. While the top and bottom housing materials may vary between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing remains consistent, providing a similar sound profile for both the Brother and Penguin switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and Akko Penguin will depend on the specific sound profile that the user prefers. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother will offer a sharper and crisper sound, particularly suitable for those who prioritize clarity and resonance in their typing experience. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Penguin will provide a deeper and fuller sound, more appealing to individuals who prefer a duller and rounder typing sound. While the bottom housing materials may be the same for both switches, the top housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch with an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Brother easier to trigger a keystroke. The bottom out force for the Penguin is 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Brother is unavailable, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of heaviness. Both switches offer unique advantages - the Brother is lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Penguin is heavier, offering a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the TTC Brother has a slightly longer distance to travel compared to the Akko Penguin. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Akko Penguin with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the TTC Brother. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing a variety of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfyingly crisp sound that is reminiscent of autumn leaves crunching underfoot. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is essential. The Brother switch is perfect for those who enjoy the audible feedback of clicky switches, while the Penguin switch caters to those who prefer a more subdued typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile bump that provides a distinct feedback without being overwhelming. In comparison, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished and refined typing feel, with a smooth key travel that reduces friction. Its mild tactile bump and feathery actuation force make it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Both switches provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Brother switch excels in delivering a satisfyingly crunchy sound and easy-to-press nature with a stepped tactile bump, perfect for enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Penguin switch provides a quieter and polished typing experience with a mild tactile bump and feathery actuation force, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to a variety of typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a light actuation force, satisfying clicky sound, and a balanced tactile bump, then the Brother clicky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, medium-weight key presses, and a softer sound profile, then the Akko Penguin tactile switch might be the better fit for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and overall feel.
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