TKC Kiwi vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Lupine. The Kiwi is a tactile switch, designed to elevate your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. With lightly factory lubed switches, the Kiwi offers a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Its snappy sound profile adds to the overall immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Lupine is a linear switch that boasts two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Lupine offers a classic clacky sound profile, ensuring a satisfying typing sound. While the Kiwi focuses on tactile feedback, the Lupine excels in its smooth linear action and distinct sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Lupine differ significantly. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the UHWMPE in the Kiwi leans towards a brighter tone, while polycarbonate in the Lupine delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Kiwi employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, mirroring its top housing material. This results in a consistent bright sound signature and resonant clacks. Alternatively, the Lupine features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a different sound experience. Typing on the Lupine with its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when compared to the bright tone of the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing.
Overall, the differing housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Lupine have a significant impact on their sound profiles. The Kiwi, with its UHWMPE top and bottom housing, provides a bright and resonant sound experience throughout. On the other hand, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing ensures a sharper and more resonant sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. Therefore, while both switches excel in their unique sound characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of resonance and clacks, as both utilize newer materials that enhance these aspects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is on the lighter side, while the Lupine's actuation force is not available. This means that if you prefer a lighter touch, the Kiwi may be a better option for you. However, the bottom out force of the Kiwi is 67 grams, which is heavier than the Lupine's bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Lupine provides a slightly lighter typing experience when fully pressing down the keys.
For those who prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, the Kiwi would be a suitable choice. Its actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, reducing fatigue over time. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a medium actuation force, although the exact value is unknown. This means that if you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Lupine may be the switch for you. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying key press.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kiwi and Lupine switches differ slightly, with the Kiwi being lighter on the actuation force and heavier on the bottom out force compared to the Lupine. However, both switches provide adequate options for varied preferences, ensuring satisfactory results for users seeking specific typing experiences.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have different travel distances. The TKC Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be the most traditional. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Durock Lupine would be the better option. However, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. In such cases, the TKC Kiwi with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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 best known for its medium to medium-strong tactile bump at the top of each key press. This bump enhances the typing experience and provides a satisfying feedback sensation. The sound profile of the Kiwi switches is described as low-pitched, which means they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This creates a pleasing and immersive typing sound. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. The combination of tactile feedback and snappy sound makes the Kiwi switches a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch is known for its two-stage long springs, which provide a unique typing feel. When pressing down the keys, users will experience a consistent weight distribution. On the rebound, there is a more powerful upward movement, enhancing the overall typing experience. The sound profile of the Lupine switches is described as clacky, which refers to a classic and crisp sound when pressed. This sound profile offers a different auditory feedback compared to the Kiwi switches. Like the Kiwi switches, the Lupine switches also feature a polished finish and may come with factory lubing, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi switches provide a low-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile feedback with a medium to medium-strong bump. They are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine switches offer a clacky sound profile and a unique typing feel with two-stage long springs. Both switches feature a polished finish and may come with factory lubing, contributing to a sleek typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the immersive sound and tactile feedback of the Kiwi switches or the crisp sound and distinctive typing feel of the Lupine switches. Overall, both switches offer quality options for enhancing the typing experience, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, the TKC Kiwi switches are an excellent choice. These switches provide a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and come lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. The Kiwi switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, they offer a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Kiwi switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a more consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, the Durock Lupine switches are a great choice. These switches provide a classic clacky sound profile and have a neutral actuation force requirement. They offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. Like the Kiwi switches, the Lupine switches are also polished, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is worth noting that the Lupine switches have a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switches and the Durock Lupine linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switches are ideal. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a consistent weight distribution and a clacky sound profile, the Lupine switches are a better fit. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the specific qualities and characteristics of each switch, to make an informed decision.
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