Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch to the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, providing a creamy yet lightweight feel with a slightly textured touch right out of the box. Ideal for enthusiasts looking to hand-lube their switches, the Keygeek Raw offers a mild and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi is designed to enhance typing with a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, delivering a snappy sound profile for an immersive typing experience. With a factory lube for smoothness, the Kiwi switch has a stepped and low-pitched feel with a polished accent. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and TKC Kiwi both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and typing experience. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the TKC Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing. Both materials offer a bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing. However, the Keygeek Raw boasts an exclusive blend for its bottom housing, UMPE & Si, while the TKC Kiwi uses UHWMPE for its bottom housing. This results in differences in the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom, both the Keygeek Raw and TKC Kiwi offer a unique typing experience. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend for its top and bottom housings allows for a well-rounded sound experience, with each housing material contributing to the overall feel of the switch. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi's use of UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housing results in a consistent bright sound signature throughout typing. While the materials may vary, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing blends.
In conclusion, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and TKC Kiwi will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The Keygeek Raw's use of different housing materials for the top and bottom allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each material influencing different aspects of the typing sound and feel. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi offers a consistent bright sound signature with its use of UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housing. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, each with its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch both offer a different typing experience due to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, whereas the Kiwi has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. While the actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is unknown, the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams. This makes the Kiwi slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Keygeek Raw, but heavier in terms of bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw provides a more medium typing experience, while the Kiwi offers a medium-heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Kiwi may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Keygeek Raw. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and what type of typing experience each individual user is seeking.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch. The Keygeek Raw would be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers who need quick reactions during gameplay. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper key press and more tactile feedback. Both switches have their own advantages based on their travel distances, with the longer travel distance of the Kiwi providing a more satisfying keystroke for some, while the shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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, the Keygeek Raw offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Kiwi provides a low-pitched and satisfyingly snappy sound profile that adds to the immersive typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw provides a slightly textured and mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the contrary, the Kiwi offers a stepped and accented tactile feel, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are factory lubricated, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Raw and the TKC Kiwi switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Keygeek Raw is perfect for those who enjoy a textured and subtle typing experience, while the TKC Kiwi is ideal for users looking for a stepped and accented tactile feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Overall, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a lighter switch with a slightly textured feel and enjoy the process of hand lubing your switches, the Keygeek Raw may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium to medium-strong bump for tactile feedback with a snappy sound profile and prefer a switch that comes lightly factory lubed for smooth typing right out of the box, then the TKC Kiwi may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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