Jerrzi Coral vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Coral, a linear switch, and the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch. The Coral switch is renowned for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a sophisticated balance of performance and finesse. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is praised for its tactile feedback, featuring a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press for an immersive typing experience. While the Coral switch is described as 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky', the Kiwi switch boasts categories such as 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and TKC Kiwi both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Coral uses polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. In comparison, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, offering a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials provide distinct sound qualities, the polycarbonate in the Coral creates a more clear and resonant sound, whereas the UHWMPE in the Kiwi offers a brighter and more distinct sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Coral features a classic nylon housing that produces a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, enhancing the bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. Despite both materials offering unique sound characteristics, the nylon in the Coral provides a deeper sound experience, while the UHWMPE in the Kiwi contributes to a brighter and more vibrant sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials in both the Jerrzi Coral and TKC Kiwi switches play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Coral's top housing and nylon in its bottom housing results in a balanced sound profile with clear and deep qualities. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housings create a brighter and more resonant sound experience. While the materials differ between the two switches, each offers a unique sound profile that is enhanced by the specific housing materials used.
Weight
The actuation force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is 40 grams, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Kiwi is described as medium-heavy at 67 grams. In terms of weight, the Coral is lighter with its 40-gram actuation force compared to the Kiwi's 43-gram actuation force. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Coral for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier push feel of the Kiwi for a more substantial typing experience. These differences in actuation and bottom out forces provide users with options to select the switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is evident that the Coral has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Coral's 3.7 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Kiwi's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press experience that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance, with the Coral offering a shorter and quicker typing experience, while the Kiwi provides a slightly longer and more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, both the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and TKC Kiwi tactile switch are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they both offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when deciding on a switch based on sound.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Coral switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, meaning it provides an exceptionally smooth feel when typing. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a tactile bump at the top of each key press. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is also mentioned to be accented and polished, offering a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming, along with a smooth and refined typing experience. This contrasts with the Coral switch's focus on smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing keys.
Taking all the available information into account, if sound is a significant factor in your decision-making process, both switches offer a similar low-pitched sound profile. However, when it comes to feel, the Coral switch emphasizes smoothness and minimal resistance, while the Kiwi switch offers a stepped feel with a medium amount of tactility and a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and TKC Kiwi tactile switch will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, consider the key factors that align with your typing preferences. If you are seeking a switch with a distinctive typing feel and lower-pitched sound profile, the Coral switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and nuanced sophistication (Coral) or tactility and an immersive typing experience (Kiwi). Rest assured that both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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