TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Lime are both tactile switches that offer a satisfying and immersive typing experience. The Kiwi switches are characterized by a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a noticeable tactile feedback. They are also lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a snappy sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switches are incredibly unique in that they are lightweight and offer an approachable tactility. These switches are perfect for tactile enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. Furthermore, the Lime switches are silenced, allowing for quieter keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is most suitable for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Lime switches have distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a bright sound signature and resonant clacking noise. In contrast, the Lime switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, they differ in terms of brightness and depth.
When comparing the top housings of the Kiwi and the Lime, the UHWMPE and nylon materials create noticeable differences in sound. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi produces a very bright sound signature, offering a more resonant clacking noise when typing. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lime results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. These differences in sound characteristics between the two top housings give each switch a distinct typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Kiwi and the Lime also contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Lime elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing will greatly influence the overall typing experience, showcasing the differences between the Kiwi and the Lime switches.
Although there are differences between the housing materials of the Kiwi and the Lime switches, their overall impact on sound and feel can be quite similar. Both switches feature newer materials for switch housings, with the Kiwi utilizing UHWMPE and the Lime utilizing nylon. While the Kiwi's UHWMPE offers a bright sound signature, the Lime's nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both materials absorb sound differently, creating a distinct sound when typing on switches with such housings. Thus, while the top and bottom housings may differ between the two switches, both materials ultimately contribute to a unique and desirable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TKC Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Outemu Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a light switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Lime would be the ideal choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for easier and quicker keystrokes, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. This switch is particularly suited for those who prioritize speed and comfort.
On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the TKC Kiwi switch. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, typing on this switch will require a stronger push, providing a satisfying and pronounced tactile feedback. This makes it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more deliberate and solid feel when typing.
Overall, the decision between the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Lime switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. While the Outemu Lime offers a lighter and faster typing experience, the TKC Kiwi provides a heavier and more substantial feel. Both switches have their merits, and selecting between them will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it becomes clear that the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Kiwi falls into the more traditional range for travel distance, providing a depth of 4.0mm, while the Lime offers a shallower depth of 3.0mm. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority, opting for the Lime with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Kiwi's longer travel distance may be the preferred option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40.
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 profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This provides a pleasant and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch produces a neutral sound, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. Additionally, the Lime switch is described as muted, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it ideal for minimizing keyboard noise. It is important to note that the actual sound of the switches will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, with the Kiwi being low-pitched and the Lime being muted, allowing users to enjoy a pleasant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch provides a stepped sensation, offering two stages of tactile feedback. It is not as intense as hypertactile switches but provides a noticeable bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Kiwi switch is also accented, meaning it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy. Moreover, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch provides a mild and feathery typing experience, thanks to its light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also has a subtle resistance which is not feather-light but still maintains a comfortable typing feel. Additionally, like the Kiwi, the Lime switch has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback and smooth typing experiences, providing users with a satisfying feel when typing.
Considering the available information, the TKC Kiwi and Outemu Lime tactile switches offer distinct characteristics and qualities. The Kiwi switch is best known for its medium-strong bump, satisfyingly snappy sound profile, stepped and accented feel, and polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Lime switch stands out with its lightweight nature, approachable tactility, silenced sound profile, feathery and subtle feel, and also a polished finish. Therefore, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a medium-strong bump and a more mellow sound profile, along with stepped and accented feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, with a softer and quieter sound profile, along with a feathery and subtle feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the ideal option. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a truly immersive typing experience, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a touch of tactility and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. These switches are incredibly unique as they are lightweight, feature an approachable tactility, and are silenced. The light actuation force of 45 grams reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In terms of sound, both switches fall under the neutral category, suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound profile, while the Lime switches produce a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Kiwi switches can be described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild but prominent amount of tactility and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switches have a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and noise level. Consider the factors that are most important to you and select the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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