TTC Brother vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, you have two distinctive options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Brother stands out for its lightweight actuation and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a crisp and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a snappy sound profile and smooth typing experience right out of the box. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and TKC Kiwi switches offer distinct properties that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the keys. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi provides a newer and unique sound experience.
On the other hand, the Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, providing a different typing experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Brother. These distinctions in bottom housing materials highlight the impact that different plastics can have on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Brother and TKC Kiwi switches differ in terms of their top and bottom materials, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on the qualities of these materials. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing when pressing down on the keys, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate and softer nylon of the Brother or the bright UHWMPE of the Kiwi, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is evident that the Kiwi has a higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Brother's 37 grams. Additionally, the Kiwi also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Brother is unknown. This means that the Kiwi switch requires a slightly heavier touch to activate and press all the way down compared to the Brother switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Brother switch may be favored, as it has a lower actuation force. Meanwhile, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Kiwi switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as lighter switches are better for prolonged typing sessions, while heavier switches provide a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Kiwi switch has the longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The Brother switch falls within the range of shorter travel distances, making it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feeling. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Whether you choose the shorter Brother switch or the longer Kiwi switch, you can expect similar high-quality performance from both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
The TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, which is sure to please fans of clicky switches seeking a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a different but equally immersive typing atmosphere. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, allowing users to tailor their choice based on personal preferences and typing environments.
When it comes to feel, the Brother offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required for activation, promoting effortless typing and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother switch features a stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile sensation that offers a balance between tactility and smoothness. Conversely, the Kiwi switch also has a stepped feel, along with an accented tactile feedback that falls between subtle and overwhelming, making it suitable for those seeking a medium tactile typing experience. The polished finish of the Kiwi switch ensures a smooth and refined keystroke, further enhancing the overall typing feel.
Considering all available information, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a rewarding typing experience tailored to different preferences. Whether you prefer a crunchy clicky sound with a breezy actuation like the Brother switch or a low-pitched, medium tactile experience with a polished finish like the Kiwi switch, both options guarantee a satisfying and immersive typing session. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it's important to keep in mind the specific qualities and preferences that you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you are someone who enjoys a lightweight, easy-to-press switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound profile and articulate tactile feedback, the TTC Brother clicky switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-heavy bump at the top of each key press, along with a snappy sound profile and factory lubed smoothness, then the TKC Kiwi tactile switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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