Akko Penguin vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Penguin and Wuque Studio WS Red offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Penguin stands out as a tactile switch, perfect for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. It provides a rounded tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red is a linear switch that offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a classic sound signature. This switch features a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke, delivering a substantial and satisfying typing feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches are both made of nylon, which is considered a classic switch material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The nylon top and bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key.
While both the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches share nylon as their housing material, it is important to note that the specific design and construction of each switch can still lead to variations in the typing experience. The way in which the nylon top and bottom housings are implemented in the switches can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard. Despite the similarities in housing material, differences in the switch design and other components can lead to unique characteristics for each keyboard switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko Penguin and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches provide a similar typing experience due to the use of nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the housing material on the overall typing experience is split between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While both switches share the same housing material, variations in design and construction can still result in differences in the typing experience between the two keyboards.
Weight
The Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Penguin has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the WS Red, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Penguin's bottom out force is also lighter at 60 grams, while the WS Red has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Penguin switch will require less force to register a keystroke and to fully press the key down compared to the WS Red switch. This difference in force may appeal to different preferences in typing experience, with the Penguin being more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and the WS Red being better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range of force, providing a balance between ease of typing and feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. The WS Red would provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Penguin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for quicker response times. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper press for a more substantial feel, the WS Red might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and feel while typing or gaming.
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 Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 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 Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted and neutral sound profile, ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise minimization is important. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch lacks specific sound descriptions but typically linear switches tend to produce a consistent and smooth sound without a tactile bump. Both switches are likely to provide a comfortable and non-disruptive typing experience, especially when paired with quality keycaps and a well-built keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko Penguin switch is known for its polished, mild, feathery, and subtle characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a light actuation force. This makes the switch comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, making it suitable for various uses such as gaming, school, or work. Conversely, information on the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is unavailable. However, based on its linear nature, it can be assumed to offer a consistent and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force due to the double-stage spring design.
In conclusion, the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch both have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Penguin excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with its rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive feel with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are likely to deliver reliable performance and satisfaction to users seeking quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience ideal for office settings, the Akko Penguin with its medium bottom out force and muted, polished feel would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and bouncy typing feel with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force may suit you better. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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