TTC Gold Brown vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two excellent options that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced nature, offering a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It also provides a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it ideal for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. It features a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, and its medium weight strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort during long typing sessions. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them desirable options depending on your preferences; 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
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko Penguin switches offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiff nature that enhances resonance. In contrast, the Penguin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials are effective in creating distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Brown lends itself well to RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering an aesthetic advantage.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the Gold Brown and the Penguin ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out sounds and feels, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of both components in overall typing sound quality.
In summary, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches significantly impacts the sound and feel of typing. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown offers a sharper and crisper sound profile suitable for RGB lighting aesthetics, the nylon top housing of the Penguin provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent typing experience with their ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile. Understanding the unique properties of each housing material helps users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Penguin's lighter 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams, while the Penguin requires 60 grams, making them quite similar in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko Penguin switch, as its lighter actuation force can provide a more effortless typing feel. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the TTC Gold Brown switch due to its slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The Gold Brown may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Penguin, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or those looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel. Both switches offer different travel distances, so selecting the one that aligns with your preferences will ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown and the Akko Penguin switches offer different experiences. The Gold Brown switch provides a neutral sound profile that is softer than most switches but not completely silent, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as having a muted sound, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in office settings where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, both the Gold Brown and Penguin switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, providing a balanced tactile feedback without being too pronounced. Similarly, the Akko Penguin switch also offers a polished feel that results in a sleek typing experience, along with mild, feathery, and subtle characteristics. Both switches are designed to reduce friction and provide a comfortable typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged use without causing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and Akko Penguin switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile with a gentle tactile bump, while the Akko Penguin switch provides a quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile feedback. Both switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and efficiency, making them suitable for different user preferences and typing environments. Whether you choose the Gold Brown or Penguin switch, you can expect a quality typing experience that meets your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a silent tactile switch for office environments with a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Akko Penguin would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a softer sound profile (Gold Brown) or a quiet switch ideal for prolonged typing sessions (Penguin). Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and environment.
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