Bsun Hutt vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Hutt and the TKC Kiwi both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Hutt switch is known for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a balanced sound profile and an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch features a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and factory lubrication for a smooth typing experience. While the Hutt switch is described as sharp and resonant, the Kiwi switch is noted for its low-pitched and polished feel. 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
49g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, compared to the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing, which offers resonant clacks when typing. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the UHWMPE material in the Kiwi's top housing produces a bright sound signature, providing a different typing experience with a unique sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Bsun Hutt features a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing also provides a bright sound signature, creating resonant clacks when typing. Both materials offer distinct sound profiles, with nylon offering a more classic and fuller sound, while UHWMPE provides a bright and resonant typing experience.
Overall, while the Hutt and Kiwi switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate and nylon materials in the Hutt provide a sharper and fuller sound, respectively, while the UHWMPE material in the Kiwi offers a bright and resonant typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the user's typing experience with their high-quality housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TKC Kiwi tactile switch. The Hutt requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 49 grams to bottom out, while the Kiwi requires 43 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out. This means that the Hutt provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch when typing. On the other hand, the Kiwi offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile 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 TKC Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Hutt. A 3.5 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the TKC Kiwi provides a bit more depth to the keystroke, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more robust feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 comparing the sound of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, the Hutt is known for its resonant and sharp sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Hutt leaning towards a sharper sound profile and the Kiwi providing a more mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, offering a lively typing experience with pronounced feedback, strong tactile bumps, and a responsive feel. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is characterized as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a more subtle tactile feedback compared to the Hutt. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Hutt emphasizing a sharper and more tactile bump, while the Kiwi focuses on a smoother and more polished keystroke.
Overall, the Bsun Hutt and TKC Kiwi tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Hutt provides a resonant sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, delivering an immersive and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi offers a low-pitched sound profile and a stepped, polished feel, providing a more mellow and refined typing sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a resonant sound profile with a sharp and invigorating typing feel, the Hutt switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a low-pitched or neutral sound profile, and a stepped, accented, or polished typing feel, the Kiwi switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.