TTC Bluish White vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the TKC Kiwi. The TTC Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a delightfully satisfying poppy typing experience. With a snappy sound profile, these switches are categorized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi is also a tactile switch aimed at enhancing your typing journey. It features a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a truly immersive experience with its satisfyingly snappy sound profile. The Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Its categorization includes stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished characteristics. Both switches offer their unique advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and TKC Kiwi differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. The UHWMPE top housing produces resonant clacks, adding a unique auditory experience to typing.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Bluish White employs nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This is ideal for users who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a very bright sound signature, creating resonant clacks during typing. The combination of UHWMPE top housing and bottom housing contributes to a more consistent and distinctive sound profile throughout every keystroke.
While the top and bottom housings of the TTC Bluish White and TKC Kiwi vary, each housing material brings specific qualities to the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and bottom-out sound are influenced by the bottom housing. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White would create a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi would offer more resonant clacks. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is more affected by the top housing. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White would result in a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi would produce a bright sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Kiwi requires a slightly higher force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Although the difference is minimal, those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Bluish White more suitable for their typing needs. In terms of bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the Kiwi has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Kiwi provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. It is worth considering that both switches offer different weights, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming sessions. However, if a similar result is desired, either switch can still deliver a satisfactory experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Kiwi falls within the more common 4.0 mm range, while the Bluish White is slightly shorter. This makes the Kiwi the longer-travel option between the two. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Bluish White's shorter travel distance may be more suitable. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In that case, the TKC Kiwi with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Bluish White and TKC Kiwi tactile switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches generally produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, while both switches have a similar sound profile, the specific sound experienced may vary depending on the setup used.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch has several descriptors. It is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Moreover, it is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Bluish White is also referred to as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback and may have some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is characterized as subtle, having a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is also described as stepped, providing a mild tactile feedback with pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is referred to as accented, meaning it offers a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Similar to the Bluish White switch, the Kiwi is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White and TKC Kiwi tactile switches offer a satisfyingly poppy typing experience and have a snappy sound profile. They have similar characteristics in terms of being low-pitched and offering a polished finish, contributing to a smooth and sleek typing experience. Additionally, both switches are stepped, providing a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. However, it's important to consider individual preferences, as the specific typing experience may vary depending on factors such as keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a satisfyingly poppy typing experience and a snappy sound profile, the TTC Bluish White switch is a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a lighter typing feel and a low-pitched sound profile. The Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth, gentle, and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a slightly heavier typing feel, but still maintains a low-pitched sound profile. The Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Bluish White and TKC Kiwi switches will depend on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and level of tactility. We hope this comparison has helped you make an informed decision and find the perfect tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard. Happy typing!
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