TKC Kiwi vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct typing experiences. The Kiwi is a tactile switch known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile for an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky and seamless typing experience. The Kiwi is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 features a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced bump and satisfying sound, the Kiwi is a great choice, while those who enjoy a smoother and quieter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3. 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
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both utilize newer materials for their switch housings, with the Kiwi featuring UHWMPE and the Lightning Silver V3 using polycarbonate. Both materials offer a bright sound signature, but with slight differences in tone and resonance. UHWMPE in the Kiwi provides resonant clacks when typing, while polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the functionality of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kiwi and Lightning Silver V3 showcase the same material differences as their top housings. UHWMPE in the Kiwi and polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 offer similar characteristics in sound profile, with the stiffer polycarbonate providing a clearer and more resonant sound. This consistency in material throughout the switch housing ensures a cohesive sound experience when typing, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the bottom housing material and the upstroke sound impacted by the top housing material.
Overall, while the TKC Kiwi and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 differ in their housing materials, they both deliver high-quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The UHWMPE in the Kiwi offers a bright and resonant typing experience, while the polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 provides a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer the clacks of UHWMPE or the higher-pitched tone of polycarbonate, both switches deliver a premium typing experience that showcases the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with an actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi requires a heavier force of 67 grams while the Lightning Silver V3 only needs 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and longer periods of typing, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the TKC Kiwi. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we find that the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. 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 Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly shallower. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and speed of response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, snappy, and bright, adding a unique flair to the typing experience. Sound preference is subjective, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard in use.
Moving on to feel, the Kiwi switch is described as offering a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. This means that the switch has a two-stage tactile feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is smooth and refined due to factory lubing. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses and releases. The choice between the two switches in terms of feel will depend on whether the user prefers a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Kiwi and Lightning Silver V3 switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Those who enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound with a stepped and polished tactile feel may prefer the Kiwi switch, while individuals seeking a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference and the desired typing experience for the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium to medium-strong tactile bump at the top of each key press with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky and seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the switch of choice. Ultimately, the Kiwi offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky smooth typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a more enjoyable typing experience.
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