TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the KTT Lightning are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Kiwi is a tactile switch designed to enhance your typing experience with a satisfying medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It delivers a snappy sound profile that immerses you in a truly enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi comes lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Lightning is a linear switch known for its approachable "speed." It is ideal for situations where split-second decisions can make a difference between winning or losing. Typing on the Lightning offers a slick feel with a clacky sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision about the best switch for your personal taste and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Lightning differ in terms of their overall sound signatures and physical characteristics. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, giving it a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. In comparison, the Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This can create a more clear and resonant typing experience, particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Lightning's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences, both switches share the characteristic of utilizing newer materials for their respective top housings. The use of UHWMPE in the Kiwi and polycarbonate in the Lightning allows for a more modern approach to switch housing, focusing on delivering unique sound experiences. However, while the Kiwi has both its top and bottom housing made from UHWMPE, the Lightning incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. This variation in materials distributes the qualities brought by each housing material differently. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that typing on the Lightning will elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing of the switch, whether UHWMPE or polycarbonate, will primarily affect the sound when a key is released.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Lightning's top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it a great choice for those who plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal but is equally capable of delivering a bright sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Lightning will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same, with both requiring 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the sensitivity and responsiveness of the keys. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction. The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls on the medium-heavy side. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. This suggests that typing on the Kiwi switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Lightning switch offers a lighter bottom out force, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing as much fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch have different travel distances. The Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional depth, while the Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it shallower. This difference in travel distance caters to different preferences and needs. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If responsiveness is important to you, opting for the Lightning switch with its shorter travel distance would be ideal. However, some users find short travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In this case, the Kiwi switch with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences and typing style. Both switches offer a distinct experience, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41.
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 TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more mellow and bass-heavy tone when pressed. This sound profile creates a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving it a different auditory experience compared to the Kiwi. If you prefer a more low-pitched and mellow sound, the Kiwi is the better option. However, if you enjoy a clacky and sharp sound, the Lightning is a suitable choice.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch provides a stepped feel. This means that the keystroke has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It offers a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, which provides a noticeable tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a subtle typing feel. It has a gentle resistance without being feather-light, providing a light typing experience. Like the Kiwi, the Lightning switch is also polished, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a more stepped and accented tactile feel, the Kiwi is the better option. However, if you prefer a more subtle and light typing feel, the Lightning is a suitable choice.
Taking into account the available information, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Kiwi has a low-pitched sound profile with a stepped feel, providing a mellow sound and a noticeable tactile feedback. It is best suited for those who prefer a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning has a clacky sound profile with a subtle feel, offering a sharp sound and a gentle typing experience. It is ideal for individuals who prioritize speed and a light typing feel. Both switches are factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience out of the box. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound and feel. However, if you prefer one quality over the other, such as low-pitched sound or stepped feel, you can expect to achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, choosing between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a medium to medium-strong bump and a more moderate sound profile, the Kiwi may be the better choice for you. The Kiwi offers a satisfyingly snappy typing experience and is lightly factory lubed for smooth and effortless typing out of the box. It also has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a slick type feel, and a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch may be more suitable for you. The Lightning is designed to provide a speedy typing experience, making it ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. It has a high-pitched, clacky sound profile and maintains a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, it is important to consider both the sound and feel of the switches when making your decision. If you prefer a more mellow and bass-heavy sound, as well as a stepped or accented feel, the Kiwi switch may be the better fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp and crisp sound, with a subtle or polished typing feel, the Lightning switch may be more aligned with your preferences.
In the end, carefully considering these factors will help you determine whether the TKC Kiwi tactile switch or the KTT Lightning linear switch is the best choice for you. Both switches offer unique features and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and needs.
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