KTT Lightning vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Lightning and Akko Penguin offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Lightning's linear design is perfect for fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts, providing a slick and clacky typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Penguin switch from Akko is ideal for office environments seeking a quieter typing experience, thanks to its tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback without the loud noise. While the Lightning excels in speed and precision, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort for longer 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and the Akko Penguin both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Lightning featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Penguin uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound because it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference in housing materials results in a distinct sound experience for each switch, with the Lightning having a crisper sound profile compared to the Penguin's rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Lightning and the Akko Penguin, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound with the added bonus of translucency for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Penguin provide a deeper and fuller sound that is perfect for those who enjoy a more muted and round sound profile. Regardless of the material used, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the KTT Lightning and the Akko Penguin have different housing materials for their switches, they both offer a unique typing experience that showcases the qualities of their respective materials. The split between the top and bottom housings of the Lightning allows for a balance between a sharper sound upon key release and a duller sound upon bottom-out, while the Penguin's uniform use of nylon throughout creates a consistent, deep sound profile. Ultimately, whether you prefer the crispness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we see that the actuation force is the same for both at 43 grams. However, the Lightning has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's heavier 60 grams. The Lightning switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Penguin switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, but the bottom out force sets them apart in terms of typing feel and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch is 3 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, with 4.0mm being considered the most traditional. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances like those offered by the Lightning switch for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Penguin switch for a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a quicker response or a more satisfying keypress feel.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be ideal for those who enjoy a more percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and neutral sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes the Penguin switch a great choice for environments where noise reduction is key, such as in an office setting. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Lightning being more vibrant and the Penguin being more subdued.
Moving on to feel, both the Lightning and Penguin switches share a polished characteristic, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall feel of the switches. The Lightning switch is described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance for a light typing feel, while the Penguin switch is noted for its mild and feathery characteristics, providing a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger exertion. Both switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue.
In conclusion, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning switch is more clacky and high-pitched, providing a vibrant typing experience, the Penguin switch offers a muted and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. In terms of feel, both switches share a polished finish that enhances smooth key travel, with the Lightning switch leaning towards a subtle resistance and the Penguin switch offering a more gentle and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options providing a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your specific needs. If you prioritize speed and a clicky sound profile for gaming or quick typing tasks, the Lightning switch with its light bottom out force and clacky sound may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet working environment and a satisfying tactile feedback for extended typing sessions, you may lean towards the Akko Penguin switch with its medium bottom out force and muted sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for speed, noise level, and typing feel to ensure a tailored keyboard experience that meets your requirements.
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