Gateron CM vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The CM switch stands out for its unique full nylon housing, delivering a rich sound signature and smooth typing experience with its factory lube job and dual-staged spring design. It provides a bouncy typing feel and is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a silent tactile experience, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments. With a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback and a medium weight for a balance of responsiveness and comfort, it is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Feathery'. However, to make the best decision for your needs, it is essential to delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch.
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
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Akko Penguin, both switches use nylon as their top and bottom housing material. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect to experience a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This consistency in housing material demonstrates that both switches prioritize a similar typing experience for their users.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing material, there may be slight differences in the overall sound profile due to variations in the design and construction of the switches. The bottom housing of a switch typically has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, any differences between the Gateron CM and the Akko Penguin may be more noticeable during specific actions while typing, rather than in overall sound profile. Both switches will likely offer a comparable typing experience with minimal variation in sound quality.
Overall, the choice to use nylon as the housing material for both the Gateron CM and the Akko Penguin indicates a preference for a specific sound profile and typing feel. The deeper and fuller sound that nylon housing provides is likely a deliberate design choice by both manufacturers to enhance the typing experience for users. By utilizing the same housing material, both switches are able to offer a consistent overall sound profile and feel, emphasizing the importance of housing material in the design and performance of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron CM linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The CM requires 55 grams to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Penguin only needs 43 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, placing it in the medium range. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Penguin switch, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, the CM switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Gateron CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Akko Penguin has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Akko Penguin may appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel, while the Gateron CM's slightly longer travel distance may provide a deeper key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience with each key press. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound, offering a quieter typing environment suitable for office settings. While both switches aim to minimize noise, the CM switch leans towards a deeper and more resonant sound, reflecting its bold nylon housing and dual-staged spring design, while the Penguin switch maintains a more subtle and gentle sound profile to cater to a wider range of users.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is often described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing feel, emphasizing a gentle key response and light actuation force to reduce finger strain during prolonged use. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, with the CM switch showcasing a more luxurious and fluid typing sensation, while the Penguin switch aims for a balanced and approachable tactile feedback for all users.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel to cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the CM switch boasts a deeper and richer sound with a smoother typing experience, the Penguin switch offers a quieter and more gentle typing feel suitable for various environments. Depending on personal preferences for sound depth, tactile feedback, and typing comfort, users can choose between these two switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a richer, deeper sound profile with a smooth and bouncy typing experience, the Gateron CM switch may be the right choice for you. Its unique full nylon housing, impeccable factory lube job, and lengthened dual-staged spring set it apart in terms of sound and feel. On the other hand, if you value a silent tactile experience with a rounded tactile bump and medium weight for prolonged typing sessions, the Akko Penguin switch could be the ideal option, especially in office environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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