TTC Gold Brown vs. TKC Kiwi

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the TKC Kiwi are two popular options that offer unique benefits for different typing preferences. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, providing a slight but satisfying bump when pressed. They also have a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches are designed to enhance typing experiences with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. They offer a snappy sound profile that immerses users in their typing sessions and come lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the TKC Kiwi switches differ significantly. The Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This housing creates resonant clacks when typing, providing a distinct auditory experience compared to the Gold Brown.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gold Brown uses a nylon material, a tried and true option for switch housings. Typing on these switches produces a deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. Its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate contributes to a duller and rounder sound experience. In contrast, the Kiwi employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, matching the material used in its top housing. This newer material brings a bright sound signature and resonant clacks, presenting a unique typing experience that differs from the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing.

While both switches have their own distinct materials for the top and bottom housings, it's important to consider how these materials impact the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's qualities take center stage, determining the bottom-out sound and feel. In this aspect, the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing would provide a deeper and fuller sensation, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing would provide a bright and resonant response. When releasing a key, the top housing's qualities become more pronounced, with the Gold Brown's polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound, and the Kiwi's UHWMPE offering a distinct bright sound signature. Although the specific materials vary between the two switches, the split between the bottom and top housings ensures that each contributes to the overall typing experience in their own way.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, both of which fall within the medium range. On the other hand, the Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiwi would be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. This allows for effortless and quick keystrokes, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gold Brown provides a slightly heavier actuation force, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. This may be favored by individuals who desire a stronger push and more pronounced feedback while typing.

In terms of bottom out force, both switches require a similar amount of pressure to fully depress the keycap. However, the Gold Brown has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Kiwi's 67 grams. Despite this difference, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, ensuring a satisfying tactile experience and avoiding accidental keystrokes.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the TKC Kiwi will depend on personal preference and typing style. Those seeking a lighter and effortless typing experience might opt for the Kiwi, while individuals desiring a more tactile and substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gold Brown. Nevertheless, both switches offer a reliable and enjoyable typing experience, regardless of the slight variances in actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. They are equal in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, although not completely silent. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches fall within the category of neutral switches, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is considered an accented switch, which means it offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Similarly, the TKC Kiwi switch falls into the category of a stepped switch, which means it feels like it has two stages during the keystroke. It offers a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Like the Gold Brown switch, the Kiwi switch is also described as accented and polished, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming and offering a smooth and refined finish that ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and TKC Kiwi switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile that is slightly softer than most switches, while the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience with a polished finish, while the Kiwi switch offers a stepped and accented tactile sensation with a polished finish. Based on the available information, it can be concluded that while the switches have distinct characteristics, they both provide a satisfying and immersive typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a well-balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown switches are a great choice. These switches have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. They offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and skill levels. The Gold Brown switches also provide a mild and approachable typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. With a buttery and polished feel, these switches offer smooth and refined key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a snappy and immersive typing experience, the TKC Kiwi switches would be a great fit. These switches have a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that enhances your typing experience. The Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. They offer a neutral feel and are also accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. These switches are stepped, giving them a mild feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Like the Gold Brown switches, the Kiwi switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between TTC Gold Brown and TKC Kiwi switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a balanced switch with a softer sound profile and a mild, buttery, and polished feel, the Gold Brown switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a medium to medium-strong bump, a snappy low-pitched sound profile, and a stepped and accented feel, the Kiwi switches are worth considering. Both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced keyboard user, and can be used at home or work. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more