TKC Kiwi vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the Zuoce Lavender stand out as excellent choices with their unique features. The Kiwi tactile switch is renowned for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfying typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Lavender linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness due to its Ly blend, offering a crisp and clacky sound signature. While the Kiwi offers a more tactile typing experience, the Lavender provides a smooth and effortless keystroke. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi's housing materials, UHWMPE for both the top and bottom, offer a bright and resonant sound signature when typing, resulting in satisfying clacks. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, providing a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the Kiwi. Despite both switches using different housing materials, they both offer a tactile typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
One key difference between the two switches is the sound profile each housing material produces. The UHWMPE housing of the Kiwi creates a brighter and more resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a more audible typing experience. In contrast, the POM housing of the Lavender offers a deeper and more muted sound, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. This contrast in sound profiles allows users to choose a switch based on their preference for typing noise.
Additionally, the split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch affects the overall typing experience. With the bottom housing material having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing material influencing the sound when releasing a key, the combination of UHWMPE and POM in the Kiwi and Lavender respectively allows for a balanced typing experience with a mix of bright and resonant tones along with deep and muted sounds. Despite their differences, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Kiwi is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Lavender. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Kiwi offers a more effortless typing experience with a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Lavender provides a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, offering a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the lighter Kiwi being better suited for longer typing sessions and the heavier Lavender providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch have different travel distances, with the Kiwi having a 4 mm travel distance and the Lavender having a 3.4 mm travel distance. The Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Lavender has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing or gaming experience each individual is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 it comes to sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a deep and mellow sound profile suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch boasts a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, enhancing the tactile feedback with a crisp and percussive tone. Depending on your preference, the Kiwi delivers a satisfyingly snappy sound experience, while the Lavender provides a distinct and satisfying clacky sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kiwi switch is known for its stepped, accented, and polished qualities, offering a medium-strong bump at the top of each keystroke. This provides a tactile typing experience with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel, as well as a refined finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Lavender switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue. The smoothness of the Lavender switch enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel right out of the box.
In conclusion, both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Kiwi provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a stepped and accented feel, the Lavender offers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Regardless of your choice, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with their distinct qualities, offering a satisfying and immersive typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Kiwi may be the ideal choice for you. The stepped and accented feel of the Kiwi switch provides a polished and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound, the Lavender switch with its easy-to-press feel and smoothness out of the box may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience, so it's important to consider what characteristics are most important to you when making your decision.
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