TKC Kiwi vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Light Tactile. The TKC Kiwi switches are best known for their medium to medium-strong tactile bump, providing users with a satisfying feedback at the top of each key press. These switches also offer a snappy sound profile that adds to the immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches stand out for their gentle tactility. Unlike sharper tactile switches prevalent in the market, the Light Tactile switches from Durock offer a more muted feedback that is welcomed by users seeking a softer typing experience. Furthermore, these switches provide a jelly-like sound signature, adding a unique touch to the overall typing sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to explore the specific qualities of each switch, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Durock Light Tactile differ in terms of their housing materials. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks while typing. On the other hand, the Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both materials result in a distinctive sound experience during key presses.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Kiwi and the Light Tactile exhibit varying characteristics. The Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, which contributes to its bright sound signature and resonant clacks. In contrast, the Light Tactile employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. Thus, the choice between the two materials depends on the type of sound profile desired.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, whether one prefers the UHWMPE or polycarbonate for the top housing, and nylon or UHWMPE for the bottom housing, would depend on their desired typing experience and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, putting them in the medium-heavy range. This means that when fully pressed, the typing experience will feel substantial for both switches.
However, the actuation force differs between the two switches. The TKC Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Durock Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams. This means that the TKC Kiwi requires a lighter initial push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Durock Light Tactile.
The weight of a switch is important to consider as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some users prefer lighter switches, like the TKC Kiwi with its lower actuation force, as it allows for longer typing sessions without inducing fatigue. These lighter switches are also suitable for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger actuation force for a more satisfying and pronounced push when typing. For these users, the Durock Light Tactile with its heavier actuation force might be a preferred option. This heavier force can provide a more substantial and deliberate keystroke that some find more enjoyable or precise.
In conclusion, while the bottom out force is identical for both the TKC Kiwi and Durock Light Tactile switches, the actuation force differs, with the TKC Kiwi being lighter. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style, with the TKC Kiwi offering a lighter and more effortless actuation, while the Durock Light Tactile delivers a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback throughout the 4 mm range. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results from both the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Light Tactile switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its satisfyingly snappy sound profile. It produces a low-pitched sound, which is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate overall sound. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch provides a stepped and accented experience. Stepped switches have a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more subtle tactile feedback. The accented nature of the switch means it offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a medium tactile experience. The Kiwi switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to the materials used and potential factory lubing.
On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and mild tactile experience. It is a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. The Light Tactile switch provides an angelic tactility, offering a more relaxed and less pronounced tactile feedback. In terms of sound, the Light Tactile switch has a neutral profile, similar to the Kiwi switch, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
Based on the available information, the TKC Kiwi and Durock Light Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switch provides a more distinct and snappy sound profile, with a low-pitched tone. Its feel is stepped, accented, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and mild tactile experience, along with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and polished finish, contributing to a smooth typing experience. While they have distinct characteristics, users can expect satisfying results from both switches, depending on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing them in the medium-heavy category.
The Kiwi switches are known for their medium to medium-strong tactile bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience. They also have a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, providing an immersive typing experience. Additionally, they come lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches offer a gentle tactility, which is a refreshing contrast to the sharper tactile switches on the market. Typing on them provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as having a neutral profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switches can be described as stepped and accented, providing a mildly tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, they have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
The Durock Light Tactile switches, on the other hand, offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe middle-ground zone. They also have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, along with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a gentler tactility and a softer sound signature, along with a middle-ground typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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