KTT Cream Yellow vs. TKC Kiwi

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to suit different preferences and typing styles. Two such switches that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the TKC Kiwi. The Cream Yellow switch is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', and is known for its distinctively clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a resonant audio feedback, while the lengthened spring adds to the overall bounciness. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished'. Designed to enhance the typing experience, it offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box, and have a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses you into your typing tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the TKC Kiwi differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) top housing, which offers a very bright sound signature and produces resonant clacks while typing. Though both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate generates a sharper sound, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE offers a brighter tonality.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cream Yellow employs a nylon material, known for its classic switch housing quality. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its bottom housing, which exhibits a very bright sound signature and imparts resonant clacks when typing. Therefore, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a softer and more muffled sound, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing enhances the overall brightness and resonance of the switch.

When it comes to the overall sound experience, the combination of different housing materials in the Cream Yellow and the Kiwi impacts the sound during key press and release. The bottom housing, whether nylon or UHWMPE, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or UHWMPE, has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. These differences in sound profiles between the two switches can result in varying auditory experiences and preferences for users.

In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow and the TKC Kiwi showcase distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sharper and fuller sound, respectively. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housings produce a bright sound resonance. While there are similarities in the bright sound quality between the two switches due to the shared UHWMPE material, the specific characteristics of each housing material lend individuality to their respective sound experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force for the Cream Yellow is 50 grams, while the Kiwi requires a slightly lighter touch at 43 grams. Both falls under the medium range, but the Kiwi offers a slightly lighter actuation force.

In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, while the Kiwi demands a heavier 67 grams. This makes the Kiwi switch fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In this case, the Cream Yellow would be the lighter option out of the two. However, for those who enjoy a more solid and pronounced typing experience, the Kiwi with its heavier bottom out force would be the preferred choice.

It's worth noting that while the actuation and bottom out forces may differ between the Cream Yellow and the Kiwi, both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring a decent typing experience regardless of the choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Kiwi being slightly longer than the Cream Yellow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Kiwi switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile. These switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Kiwi switch also has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience. It has a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which contribute to this bouncy sensation. The keys have a lively feel and offer a rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a stepped feel. This means that it has two stages of tactility, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Kiwi switch can also be described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience.

Taking into account all the available information, the Cream Yellow switch is best known for its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel. It offers a distinct audio feedback and a uniquely spring-like sensation. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is designed to enhance the typing experience with its medium to medium-strong tactile bump and snappy sound profile. Its stepped feel, accented tactility, and polished finish contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Both switches provide subjective qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, but it is important to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user. If a clacky sound and bouncy feel is desired, the Cream Yellow switch would be a suitable choice. If a tactile bump and snappy sound is preferred, the Kiwi switch would be a recommended option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is a great choice. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, it provides a resonant audio feedback and a uniquely bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi switch is the way to go. It offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and is lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience out of the box. The Cream Yellow is best known for its clacky sound, while the Kiwi is characterized by its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow is bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback, while the Kiwi is stepped, accented, and polished, offering a more mild tactility, smooth key travel, and reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and the Kiwi depends on your preference for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a distinct clacky sound and a bouncy feel or a tactile bump and a smooth experience, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

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TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more